Every year first responders across the province challenge one another to see which city’s services can give the most blood during the annual Sirens for Life challenge.

For the past few years, Calgary’s fire, police, EMS, and STARS staff have come out in droves to, quite literally, give the gift of life.

On Jan. 7, the annual challenge kicked off once again, with a dozen members of those agencies along with Calgary city council members donating their time and blood at the Canadian Blood Services centre on 9 Avenue SW.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who has taken part in Sirens for Life during her entire tenure as mayor, said that she has continued to promote the event because of the importance—but also because of the friendly competition with Red Deer and Edmonton.

“We beat them last year. We’re going to beat them again this year. But the big message is if you have the ability to give blood, you really should. Sometimes I think we just don’t consider it,” the mayor said.

“There are so many kids who are getting treated for cancer who need blood donations, and so many people who are in accidents that could really use a blood donation. So, please think about it. If you can spare the time, and if you’re eligible, come down and donate blood.”

That message of needing blood to treat patients was one that first responders see every day, said Carol Henke, Public Information Officer for the Calgary Fire Department.

“Every day, after collisions and traumatic injuries, we see the need for blood. It’s so important. We want everyone to consider donating. It’s a life-saving gift, so please come out and donate.”

Pay it forward, or pay it back

Henke said that the goal for this year’s Sirens for Life was to get 5,000 people to donate in Calgary. A number that would put a significant dent into the nearly 450 new donors needed per day across Canada to meet the needs of patients over the winter months.

Running concurrently with Sirens for Life at Canadian Blood Services this season is a 450 challenge for all Canadians to meet that goal.

“Here in this [Calgary] donor centre, our target is about 20 new donors every day in order for us to meet patient needs. So, that’s why we’re trying to get all Calgarians to step up, Albertans to step up and be part of the 450 challenge,” said Jhoanna Del Rosario, Community Development Manager for Calgary for Canadian Blood Services.

She said that as a centre, the new downtown location on 9 Avenue SE has been improving in the numbers of donors after it was moved from Eau Claire last year.

“Right now, we’re doing well in terms of meeting our targets for collections. But we still need more help, not just today but also for the future. The need for blood does not stop,” Del Rosario said.

That was the message of Stu Wilson, a STARS Air Ambulance VIP who himself was attending the Sirens for Life challenge to tell his story and provide support to donors.

Wilson was the recipient of blood after a traumatic head-on crash 27 years ago, which required STARS to transport him to hospital to save his life.

“I think people don’t understand just how valuable blood is and how much is needed. Like right now, Canada Blood Services needs probably twice as much blood as they get every day,” Wilson said.

“It only takes an hour out of your day once every couple of months. Do it so you can pay it forward, or pay it back because maybe one day you’re going to be in a situation like I was, where blood was going to be pretty essential to survival.”

For more information on how to donate blood, or to take part in the Sirens for Life or 450 challenge, see www.blood.ca.