REGINA, Sask. — In the wake of a devastating fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, people across Saskatchewan have a way to help those affected, even if they cannot be there in person: donating blood.
Aaron Barlow, community development manager for Saskatchewan with Canadian Blood Services, says the organization has been moved by the response from people looking for ways to support the injured, the families of those who died and the wider military community.
“Canadian Blood Services is extending our deepest sympathies to Canadian Armed Forces, the community of Wainwright, Alberta, and everybody affected by this tragic fire,” Barlow said.
He said the tragedy has prompted dozens of inquiries from across Canada, including individuals seeking appointments and groups such as churches, schools, businesses and community organizations looking to arrange donations.
“We've been deeply moved by the number of people right across Canada who have been reaching out in centres, asking how they can get involved and how they can help,” Barlow said.
While the impulse to help often follows a tragedy, Barlow said blood donations are needed well beyond the immediate aftermath. Blood and blood products are used to treat patients suffering from trauma, burns and other serious injuries, and Canadian Blood Services supplies hospitals across the country.
Barlow said the donations collected will help maintain the blood inventory that patients depend on, both now and when future emergencies occur.
“Booking and keeping appointments in the days and weeks ahead is one of the best ways to support a strong and healthy stable blood supply,” he said.
For those hoping to help, the process is straightforward. Saskatchewan residents can visit blood.ca, use the GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to find a nearby donor centre or mobile donation event and book an appointment.
Barlow emphasized that people do not need to know their blood type before donating, and all blood types are needed. Both first-time and returning donors are encouraged to make and keep appointments.
The need reaches far beyond one tragedy. Barlow said only about one in 72 Canadians donate blood, even though roughly half the population is eligible. Meanwhile, one in two Canadians will need blood or blood products themselves or know someone who does, and someone in Canada needs them about every 60 seconds.
Those numbers underscore why a steady stream of donations matters, even when there is no major emergency dominating the headlines.
Barlow said he has spent years hearing from donors who give in memory of someone they lost or in recognition of a loved one who survived an illness or injury. Those personal reasons, he said, reflect a wider willingness to support others during their most difficult moments.
“Part of what we do and part of how we identify as Canadians and members of our community is how we give back in times of need,” he said.
He thanked Saskatchewan residents and others across the country for their response, while urging them to carry that generosity forward by donating in the weeks ahead.
