Canadian Blood Services kicked off a month-long competition between three local radio stations and CFL teams to see who can have fans donate the most blood in the month of November.

“It’s a chance for you to support and represent your favourite football team or your favourite Red Deer radio personality while saving lives through blood donation,” said Darrin Thompson, territory manager for Central Alberta Canadian Blood Services, during a press conference Monday morning.

The competition includes Darin Clark with Sunny 94 representing the Edmonton Eskimos, Jamie Worthington from Big 105.5 representing the Calgary Stampeders and Travis Currah from Zed 98.9 representing the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The three CFL fans are inviting Central Albertans who are fans of these teams to show their support by donating blood before Dec. 8th in the name of the Eskimos, Stampeders or Roughriders.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 8th and will then have their name placed on the Corpuscle Cup, which was donated years ago by long-time physician and Canadian Blood Services supporter Dr. Onerheim.

Thompson explained how every minute of everyday someone in Canada needs blood.

In November Canadian Blood Services needs to collect more than 1,725 blood donations from donors here in Central Alberta while 4,873 blood donations are needed in Saskatchewan.

Currently there are over 1,000 appointments available in Central Alberta during November while Saskatchewan has to fill over 3,500 in the same time frame.

Darin Clark from Sunny 94 sent out his plea for support by saying, “I’ve been an Eskimos fan since 1972, which means I am very old and I need you guys to support me and the Eskimos so we can have a lot of blood donated – Go Esks!”

Jamie Worthington from Big 105.5 said he was surprised that the, “Esks fans (A.K.A. Darin) are using such positive words to describe their team but it’s all in good fun and for such a fantastic cause so come out and support the number one team in the CFL, go Stamps!”

Travis Currah from Zed 98.9 had closing remarks saying, “We all know the Stamps choke in November, so don’t be worried about Jamie, but I hope Canadian Blood Services is okay with green blood because we all know Rider Pride runs right through our veins and this is all about donating blood and it’s really cool because you get to save lives while we do it. So come out and support the Riders and show what Rider pride is all about.”

To book an appointment to donate, call 1-888-2-Donate.

jswan@reddeerexpress.com