Stay fit and save lives with Canadian Blood Services at the Mississauga Marathon race weekend

Canadian Blood Services' supporters are lacing up on behalf of Canadian patients by fundraising for Canadian Blood Services in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at the Mississauga Marathon from May 4-6. Together they are raising funds that will have a lifesaving impact for patients like Charles Ofori-Attah. 

When Charles Ofori-Attah was six months old, he was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease, a genetic condition that affects the shape of his red blood cells and has numerous health consequences. Since he was in high school, Charles has been receiving blood transfusions every six weeks to replace his affected blood with healthy donated blood.  For Charles, the opportunity to show his support by running and raising funds for Canadian Blood Services has a profound personal significance. 

“I’m always excited for new opportunities to give back to Canadian Blood Services because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Charles Ofori-Attah. “Blood donors are such a crucial part of my life, and so are the financial donors who help fund Canadian Blood Services’ programs. It feels great to give back by participating in community events like this one.”

As a registered Canadian charity, Canadian Blood Services accepts financial donations that fund special programs and projects in four areas: blood, stem cells, organs and tissues and research and innovation. From helping recruit the next generation of blood and stem cell donors, to fueling innovative research in transfusion and transplantation medicine, financial donors to Canadian Blood Services play an integral role in helping improve outcomes for Canadian patients. 

“Events like this one are excellent opportunities for us to highlight Canadian Blood Services as a registered charity,” said Dr. Graham Sher, CEO, Canadian Blood Services. “People don’t always know they can also make a difference for Canadian patients by supporting our work through financial donations.” Dr. Sher is also participating in the race and is supporting the event through his personal fundraising page.

In addition to the support of individuals’ fundraising efforts through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, Bayer Inc. has come on board as the principal sponsor of Canadian Blood Services’ efforts, and has rallied the support of their local employees to run and fundraise for the organization.

For more information on Canadian Blood Services’ participation in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at the Mississauga Marathon, visit give.blood.ca/run.