Canadians step up blood donations in wake of deadly Wainwright fire

Days after a deadly fire in Wainwright, Alta., which left four soldiers dead and dozens more badly injured, the response from Canadians has been overwhelming.

According to Canadian Blood Services, there has been a sharp increase in donations of blood and plasma in Saskatchewan and across Canada in the wake of the fire.

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Lisa Beechinor, Canadian Blood Services’ business development manager, said the uptick has been driven by a rise in first-time donors.

“When you have an event like this, people want to help any way they can, and donating blood is one of the most meaningful ways to give back,” Beechinor said.

“It’s Canadians saving Canadians, which is a truly remarkable thing.”

The agency plans for unexpected events such as the fire in Wainwright, but said it’s a challenge to maintain a national inventory of blood and plasma year-round to support patients.

“Every month, there are thousands of appointments across Canada that need to be filled,” Beechinor explained.

According to the Beechinor, men can donate blood every 56 days, and women can roll up their sleeves for a donation every 84 days.

“With the population aging and growing, we do need more donors. We need a million new donors over the next three years to ensure that we have products available,” she said.

On Saturday, four Canadian Forces members were killed when a fast-moving grass fire overwhelmed soldiers participating in a training exercise at CFB Wainwright.

As of Wednesday, up to 30 soldiers remain in hospital, some with critical injuries.

“Canadian Blood Services extends its deepest sympathies to the Canadian Armed Forces, and the community of Wainwright,” Beechinor said.

“Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, for those who were injured, the friends, families and colleagues, who are all grieving.”

She said many of the new donors were personally affected by the tragedy in Wainwright.

“They had friends and family members affected, and they wanted to find a way to help out by donating and having friends and family discussions about donating blood,” Beechinor added.

She said a number of groups and organizations also reached out to Canadian Blood Services to get more information about its Partners For Life program.

“It can be churches, businesses or sports teams,” Beechinor said. “Anybody that’s in a group. We can send transportation to take the donors to and from the centre.”

She said 35 per cent of the agency’s blood donations come from groups and community associations through the program.

“It’s a very moving, fun experience, and in an hour and a half (one person) can save up to three lives. When you’re in a group, you’re saving even more lives,” Beechinor said.

Groups can register to join the program and find more information on how to donate blood on Canadian Blood Services’ website.