Twenty-five members of the Iglesia ni Cristo Church of Christ donated blood at Canadian Blood Services in Red Deer Saturday.
Marissa Stryker, Canadian Blood Services territory manager for central Alberta, said receiving blood donations is always important.
“Donors have really been responding to our call to action to donate blood and support local patients. We’re extremely grateful for all of the local support we’ve received through COVID,” Stryker said.
“The patient need is always there. We’ve been able to keep the doors open and people have been coming in and supporting us.
“Even with this long weekend, usually it’s a tough time for us to get donations, but (that’s not the case this weekend) with the Church of Christ coming in and booking this large of a team donation. … It’s been wonderful to see this wave of support.”
In addition to the 25 donating blood Saturday, another 25 church members will make blood donations throughout the month of May.
Brother Ramil Macaspac, assistant district minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church of Christ, Calgary district, said members of the church strive to “do good to people who are in need.”
“Donating blood is one way of expressing the unity of the Church of Christ, and creating an impact and awareness to the communities we belong, so the people will be helping in providing for the needs of more people,” Macaspac said.
“Medical needs, especially blood services, are so important, especially in the time of this pandemic.”
More than 150 church members will make a blood donation within the entire Calgary district, Macaspac added.
Due to COVID-19, Canadian Blood Services is not accepting walk-ins donations at this time, but people are free to book appointments through blood.ca, the give blood app or by calling 1-888-2Donate.
Stryker said a frequent question Canadian Blood Services has been receiving lately is whether there is a deferral period for anyone who has received their COVID-19 vaccine.
“I’m really happy to say there is not. As long as you’re feeling well after the injection, donors are free to come in,” she said.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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