The Saskatchewan Roughriders are looking for new blood to help meet the needs of Canadian hospital patients.
The team kicked off Bleed Green season seven at a training camp at the University of Saskatoon Football Field.
Bleed Green is a season-long partnership between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Canadian Blood Services. The partnership highlights the ongoing need for blood, and harnesses the passion of the “Rider Nation” to recruit new blood donors to boost the blood supply.
Last season, close to 2,300 donations were collected through the campaign thanks to some of the most loyal and dedicated fans in the CFL.
“The Bleed Green program has grown exponentially from year to year, thanks to the fantastic support from Rider fans across Saskatchewan and our great partnership with Canadian Blood Services,” said Gregg Sauter, vice president of marketing and business development for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club.
“Over the last six years, Rider fans have directly contributed to saving hundreds of lives through the Bleed Green program and we are looking forward to our most successful season yet in 2016.”
Canadian Blood Services needs new donors in Saskatchewan this football season. Blood donations help hospital patients like four-year-old Sophia Hvidston who, in 2015, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Sophia relies on blood and blood products to help her stay strong enough to receive treatment.
“We would like to thank Canadian Blood Services and all who donate blood,” said Shanna Hvidston. “Without this program, and the wonderful people who give, our daughter would not be here today. Believe us when we tell you that it’s true, by giving blood you really are giving life.”
This year, the goal for Bleed Green is for 10,000 people in Saskatchewan to learn more about blood donation by visiting www.blood.ca/learnmore.
Anyone over 17 years old can sign in and be counted towards this goal. When they do, they qualify to win a chance to be on historic Taylor Field for the farewell season by participating in the Canadian Flag ceremony that takes place at the start of every home game.
Bleed Green runs until October. Visit blood.ca or download the GiveBlood app to find a clinic to book an appointment to donate.
