Calgary Muslim group rallies members to make life-saving, first time blood donations
A group of first time blood donors in Calgary helped fill a vital need on Victoria Day, highlighting the ongoing demand for a diverse range of blood products.
The group is a small Shia Muslim sect, with roughly one million members worldwide..
"Many of our community members aren't sure of the process to give blood and how they wanted to get involved," explained Ali Oonwala, a member of the Dawoodie Bhora community.
There are about 1.8 billion Muslims in the world and community service is a core principle of their faith
"We felt what better way to give back than by giving the gift of life," added Oonwala.
"We've got close to 50 people and 90 per cent of them are first time donors," said Francis Aranha, a community volunteer and organizer of the new donors, of Monday's turnout.
Canadian Blood Services says donations have been down since the pandemic started, but there has also been a steep drop in blood product reserves, falling roughly 25 per cent since April.
"One-in-two are eligible to donate, and what we're seeing is only one-in-81 does. So we need to bring in more new donors," says Lisa Castro of Canadian Blood Services.
It's important to have donations from a wide variety of ethnicities, as some blood products and treatments require close matches between patient and donor.
"In some cases, such as our stem cell patients, they need specific blood types to support them," says Castro.
To make an appointment you need to book online by going to Canadian Blood Services. The donation appointment takes about 30 minutes to complete.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.