Cochrane High students are ready to give blood for the upcoming National High School Blood Challenge.
A group of six Grade 12 Cochrane High students are spearheading the Young Blood initiative that runs from Sept. 1 to May 31 inviting people in Cochrane and the surrounding area to donate blood.
“We have some people in the group who had members in their family who have received blood so we got together and decided to compete as a school,” said Alexis Miskiewicz Tomaszyk, Cochrane High student and Young Blood challenge initiator.
Cochrane High students have pledged to donate 50 units of blood but are aiming for more.
“We’re very proud that our students have decided to take on this challenge for several reasons … our challenge is to design and implement a strategy to get those donors. This will give our students skills in communication, problem solving and creative thinking,” said Stephanie Bennett, Cochrane High School teacher and Young Blood organizer.
“The students will also learn more about the importance of giving; that this is about helping someone else. From my perspective as a teacher, the students involved in this challenge will better understand the physiology of blood and its importance to society.”
Last year, William Aberhart High School in Calgary won the challenge by donating 564 units of blood. Participating Alberta schools combined to donate 872 units.
“We are definitely aiming to get 500 or more (units) but it is our first year so we will see how it goes,” Miskiewicz Tomaszyk said.
The Give Life High School program was set up through Canadian Blood Services to provide students with their blood type, create awareness and inform students about the ongoing need for blood, and help them be part of life-saving roles. It also provides students with the opportunity to participate as a first time blood donor with their peers.
People can donate multiple times within the timeframe of the challenge and anyone 17-years-old and older can donate toward Cochrane High School’s goal through the registration code COCH657981.
To register visit blood.ca
For more information go to the official Facebook page at “CHS Young Blood Initiative 2016-2017.”
FACTBOX
How to help:
Visit blood.ca/joinpartnersforlife
Join the team using the partner ID number: COCH657981
Register once and all future donations will count
To find upcoming blood clinics go to blood.ca/en/donate
Appointments can be booked through blood.ca/en/blood
