A London Nationals player donating blood.
The London Nationals stepped off the ice and teamed up with their fans to donate blood. The Nationals donated blood through Canadian Blood Services and an organization called Hockey Gives Blood. This organization was created the day after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. A tragedy that hit close to home for the Nationals.
“It was devastating. The second I heard of it I was in tears. Seeing a team, and so many people passing away like that is very devastating so a program like this coming up is so big and it’s huge for the hockey community. It’s great to be a part of,” said Josh Castle Centre for the London Nationals.
Players supporting each other while donating blood.
The Nationals all wore their jerseys and supported each other as they donated.
“As you walk up to the building and see all the London Nationals jerseys, and all the guys in here to give blood and they have a little bit of fun with it. They see each other giving back to the community but also tease each other, they’re a little light headed and woozy and filling their faces full of food. I think they’re having fun, and it’s a good team building aspect as well too,” said Patrick Powers Head Coach of the London Nationals.
The Nationals are the first team in London to donate blood through Hockey Gives Blood. They had 25 booked appointments to donate. Each donation takes one unit of blood. One unit of blood has the potential to save three lives, but it could also take multiple units to save one life.
“It’s very important to give blood, so it’s there for you or one of your family members should you ever need it. So we want to make sure it’s there in local hospitals so it can save lives, improve lives, and so we all can be safe,” said Kristen Ungar Territory Manager at Canadian Blood Services.
Donating blood is easy to do at your local donor clinic. The London Nationals hope that more people get out and donate blood.
