The Okanagan Sun football team scores a touchdown saving lives!

British Columbia and Yukon

The Okanagan Sun football team was looking for different ways to give back to the community, and adopting a blood drive on the long weekend in August was the perfect fit. Bryann, the team’s trainer, is a regular donor and she encouraged the coach to set a date for the whole team to donate. Over 35 donors from the team, staff and supporters came to blood donor centre, and 20 individuals were able to register as stem cell donors. Canadian Blood Services summer students met the team before the blood drive to book appointments and help answer questions about eligibility.  Connor and his mom Lee-Ann spoke to the team about Connor’s battle with cancer and his need for blood products during his treatment. Connor was able to join the team on the field before a game to do the official coin toss.

Head Coach Ben Macauley hopes other teams join the cause. “We had a great experience adopting the blood drive for a day! It was a great chance for us to connect and give back to our community in a meaningful way. The process couldn’t be easier, and the staff made the event a lot of fun. The Okanagan Sun would like to challenge other teams and groups to get out there and get involved. Whether you adopt a blood drive or rally for donations, make an immediate impact in your community!” said Macauley.