Sirens for Life national blood donation campaign underway

"You never know when you are going to need it or when someone you love is going to need it."

The words and sentiment from Courtney Thompson ring true, especially for the Sirens for Life Campaign.

Thompson said that the Canada-wide initiative asks first responders to give blood and raise awareness for stem cell and organ and tissue donation.

"You know, accidents happen every day; it happens for all kinds of different disorders; blood is needed for so many different reasons, emergencies and everything, so we are so, so appreciative to our donors for always showing up for us," Thompson said. 

The national Sirens for Life campaign features first responders of all stripes donating blood in their jurisdictions.

"They are often the first ones on the scene, and they see people at their most vulnerable, so they see the need for blood firsthand, so it really speaks to part of their job that they come out, and they do this because they know how important it is for people who need it."

With donations down over the summer months, Innisfil Fire Chief Brent Thomas said his crews see people in need of blood products regularly.

"Giving blood in a tangible way like this is nice to do proactively when people need it," Innisfil Fire Thomas said.

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Donating blood during the Sirens for Life Campaign means something special to all first responders who often work together at collision, fire and health calls.

"We work together well in emergencies but it means a lot to work together on community initiatives," he said.

"We have a very close relationship with South Simcoe Police and policing agencies so to be able to roll our sleeves up and do this together certainly means a lot. We work together well at scenes of emergencies but to work together to serve the community certainly means a lot.

"In emergency services, we see people on their worst days in many different situations…so to be able to help our community is definitely something we like to do."