NR–06.078 - October 26, 2006
OTTAWA - The Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Legion, have agreed to become Partners for Life (PFL) with the Canadian Blood Services and Hema-Quebec. The new partnership recognizes a long-term relationship between the organizations that dates back to World War II.
The new partnership was unveiled today at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa at the same time a blood donor clinic was underway launching the annual fall “Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign. That campaign encourages all members of the Canadian Forces/Department of National Defence family to give blood in support of the ongoing needs of the Canadian Blood Services and Hema-Quebec for blood and blood products.
In addition to the new partnership, November is also a time when all blood donors at clinics across the country will have the opportunity to fill in an “In Honour” card recognizing the humanitarian contribution Canadian Troops are making around the world.
“Canadian Blood Services is proud to offer Canadians another way to show their support for our troops,” says Dr. Graham Sher, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Blood Services. “It is fitting that CF personnel who put their lives on the line to defend and save lives at home and abroad will be honoured by blood donors, who also save lives everyday. We’re proud to have them as our partners.”
The Canadian Forces and Héma-Québec share a willingness to address the daily challenge of supplying patients with blood products. We greatly appreciate the commitment from CF members and from people who support them in their work. This campaign is also a way to pay tribute to soldiers who know especially well what saving lives means," stresses Dr. Francine Décary, Héma-Québec's Chief Executive Officer.
The Canadian military has a strong, historical link to the blood system. Canadians began to voluntarily donate blood to help wounded Canadian troops during World War II. This was the start of blood banking in Canada and the wartime effort showed that Canadians had both the national will and the generosity to sustain a voluntary blood system.
“The Canadian Forces is committed to helping Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec meet Canada’s ongoing need for blood and blood products,” said Brigadier General Hilary Jaeger, Canadian Forces Surgeon General. “We are acutely aware of the role played by blood donors in helping to save lives in both times of war and peace and our profound thanks go to these generous individuals. We urge everyone who can donate blood to do so.’’
The Royal Canadian Legion’s Dominion President, Mr. Jack Frost of Madoc, Ont., agrees. “This organization has a long history of supporting Canada’s military forces and of helping in the collection of blood. This program is important to all our members is just another way that we can way we support our troop.”
To make an appointment to donate blood call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283).
About the Partners for Life Program
The Partners for Life Program is a Canadian Blood Services initiative that recognizes an organization’s commitment to blood donation. The Canadian Forces, together with the Royal Canadian Legion are the first Canada-wide Partners for Life encouraging blood donation by its members across the Nation.
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For more information contact:
Gloria Kelly
Communications Officer
Canadian Forces Health Services Group
613-945-6850
Anne Trueman,
Manager Media Relations,
Canadian Blood Services
(Work) 613 739 2538
(Cell) 613 295 5622
Michel Thisdel
Information Officer
Héma-Québec
Media Line: 514 832-0871
1 888 666-4362, ext. 318
