Central Albertans gave blood in record numbers last month.
“We beat our goal and set a new record for new donors,” said Tanya Paul, community development co-ordinator in the Canadian Blood Services’ Red Deer clinic.
The goal of 960 units for December was beaten with 1,080 units and 128 new donors gave compared to 110 in December 2011.
The good news came as the 11th annual Sirens For Life campaign kicked off on Thursday with City of Red Deer deputy fire chief Greg Adair and RCMP Supt. Warren Dosko on hand to donate.
RCMP officers and Red Deer Emergency Services workers are co-operating again this year to try to bring in 340 units of blood, the equivalent of saving 911 lives, said Paul.
The Red Deer clinic located at No. 5 5020 68th St. looks to bring at least 900 units monthly.
Appointments can be made by calling 1-888-236-6283 and more information is available online at www.bloodservices.ca.