Creative Communications public relations majors are saving lives. Today, students are hosting the second annual Rally For Red Radiothon in support of Canadian Blood Services.
“It is an excellent opportunity to educate young adults as to the importance of blood donation, plus it is very convenient for busy students to donate when we are on-site,” says Darrin Desmedt, community development coordinator for Canadian Blood Services.
In honour of Red River College’s 75th anniversary this year, students are aiming to have 75 people donate blood today.
Donating is convenient on campus.
There will be a blood donor clinic on campus at The Roblin Centre, 160 Princess Street, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15.
“In my experience most post-secondary students have a desire to help others in some way and these events provide an opportunity to do that,” says Heather Mowat, a University of Winnipeg employee who has received four blood transfusions.
She says on-campus events like this one raises awareness for the need to donate blood, and makes it top-of-mind for students who may not be ready to donate yet, but could in the future.
Desmedt agrees.
“When student donors graduate, some go on to represent Canadian Blood Services in their jobs by promoting blood donation through their organizations’ wellness programs,” he says.
Students will be broadcasting the Rally for Red Radiothon live from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the atrium, featuring stories from people who have received blood, dedicated blood donors and first-time donors.
The radiothon will air on Red River Radio, Red River College’s online radio station.
Red River Radio is also available on the free TuneIn app.
There are still donor appointments available for this clinic. Call 1-888-2-DONATE, or visit blood.ca.
Photo of last year’s event.
