More than a hundred Edmontonians took part in a walk to raise awareness and blood donations for Canadian Blood Services Sunday.
147 runners and walkers took part in the second annual Stride: The Walk for Blood Sunday at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park.
Organizers say the unique event brought out more people and more pledges than last year’s event.
“It’s not your average run. Instead of asking people to collect monetary donations we’re asking them to collect pledge blood donations so that involves people coming directly into the clinic to donate on their behalf so that directly saves lives and it’s just a great cause,” said Ashlee Yang with the Canadian Blood Services Youth Committee.
“This year we doubled the number of participants and tripled the number of pledge donations.”
The walk is put on with the help of the Running Room, who wanted to partner with the Canadian Blood Services because of the direct impact that results from the event.
“It’s a little bit different than other events because you’re actually doing something directly for people,” said Arthur Warman with the Running Room.
Donating blood is a topic close to Warman’s heart.
This year he marked the 10th anniversary of an accident that required him to use Canadian Blood Services.
“It was there for me when I needed it,” Warman said.
Yang said participants rallied their friends and family to donate blood during the summer season when blood donations are in short supply.
“People go on vacation but the need for blood never goes on vacation,” she said.
“This is not just awareness. We’re asking people to do something about it and that’s what’s making it really powerful.”
Those interested in donating blood are asked to call 1-888-2-DONATE.
