Mayor of Coaldale Jack Van Rijn donating plasma on February 1, 2024. (Photo: LNN)

By Joel Mendelson

Sirens for Life challenge underway in Lethbridge

Feb 1, 2024 | 12:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The third annual Sirens for Life campaign is underway in Lethbridge.

The drive is a friendly competition organized by Canadian Blood Services (CBS), challenging first responders in Alberta to see who can donate the most plasma in the month of February.

Brenna Scott is the Business Development Manager for CBS. She said, “When we do a campaign like this, the community really steps up.”

First responders and local officials were at the Lethbridge Plasma Donor Centre to kick-start the competition on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Scott said, “The fact that we have Blaine Hyggen, our Lethbridge mayor here, we have Jack Van Rijn, our Coaldale mayor, we have support from the fire department, the police department, that really does mean a lot and I find in Lethbridge, you really have that strong sense of community. So the fact that they take the time out of their busy schedule to come in, donate, support the campaign really does mean a lot to us.”

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Scott expressed the need for increased plasma donation, saying, “We have seen the need increase year after year. So right now, the need for plasma is about four times greater than what we’re currently collecting in Canada. So we have seen the need really increase, we always do need more here in Canada.”

Coaldale mayor Jack Van Rijn was in attendance to donate. He explained how he is a routine donor, and gave some reasons why blood and plasma donation is crucial.

He said, “One out of two people are able to donate [plasma] when actually, there are one in 81 that donates. Another interesting fact is that the plasma donations that are needed are four times more than what are actually done so again, it’s important for everybody to come do their part.”

Anyone wanting to become a donor should consult the eligibility criteria.

Appointments can be booked at the CBS website, on the Give Blood app or by calling 1-8-8-8. Those who are eligible can donate every seven days.

The Sirens for Life challenge runs throughout February. (Photo: LNN)

Members of the public also have the choice to support any of the first responders for the competition aspect of the campaign, although it isn’t necessary.

Scott said, “They can say what they would like their donation to go towards and we can sign them up for that Partner For Life team, or if they just want to support but not a specific team in general, absolutely thats possible as well.”

She continued, “We do like when they sign up for a team, that way it’s easier to track how many donations the campaign specifically brought in. Either way, it’s absolutely great with us.”

Those who donate can enjoy free cookies and coffee. (Photo: LNN)

Last year, the Fire Department won the challenge.

The campaign is ongoing until February 28.

READ MORE: First responders taking on the Sirens for Life challenge by donating plasma

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