The Regina Pats Hockey Club offers a “hat trick” of support of Canadian Blood Services
Earlier this year, the Regina Pats Hockey Club invited Canadian Blood Services to host a game night which sparked a cascade of generosity to Canada’s Lifeline.
During that game, Canadian Blood Services’ messages were aired on the big screen and announcers encouraged fans to visit the Canadian Blood Services table to learn more about supporting patients through Canada’s Lifeline. Numerous people stopped by our table to learn more, share their personal stories of donating, or offer heartfelt thanks as a recipient or on behalf of one.
Later that same week, Canadian Blood Services also hosted a Stem Cell Swabbing event with the Regina Pats. Encouraged by Hockey Gives Blood player ambassadors on the team, John Babcock, Kolten Bridgeman, 11 of their Regina Pats teammates joined the registry.
Looking to further encourage Pats fans, the team put together an incredible prize pack and draw for visitors and donors to the Canadian Blood Services’ donor centre in Regina. The draw ran for five weeks and had over 110 people enter! The lucky winner happened to enter the draw the day of his milestone 75th donation. He was thrilled to learn his name had been drawn and planned to share the winnings with his son and granddaughters.
The prize pack included tickets to the Regina Pats vs Swift Current Broncos games, vouchers for food and refreshments, a swag bag, and a post-game meet and greet with the Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassadors. Coincidentally the game night was in recognition of first responders and the draw winner happened to be a retired member of the Regina Fire and Protective Services. During the game the announcers thanked our donor and congratulated him on his milestone donation which was met with applause and pats on the back from the crowd and looks of pride from his family. A great time was had by all.
To round off their season of support, the Regina Pats held a group donation event with the team and team staff. All the Regina Pats members and players showed up wearing team jerseys and proceeded to roll up a sleeve to donate — many for the first time! In total, over 25 members of the Pats visited the Regina donor centre that day.
A huge thanks to the Regina Pats for this trifecta – or “hat trick” – of support. We are also so grateful to our Hockey Gives Blood player ambassadors across the country for helping to spread awareness for Canada’s Lifeline during this year’s playing season.