The Calgary Stampeders are proud to be Partners for Life with Canadian Blood Services and help spread the message about the importance of giving the gift of life.

The Stamps are leading by example as members of the team as well as the Outriders and staff members recently visited Canadian Blood Services to make blood donations.

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Stampeders defensive back Keon Raymond was among the players to visit the CBS facilities.

“It was my first opportunity to donate blood . . . and I was a little terrified at first,” Raymond admitted. “But I saw the bigger picture that it was more than me. It’s about saving lives. They made me feel so comfortable.

“I do encourage people to go out and give blood. You never know who you might save. I didn’t know until I made my donation that I could be saving three lives and that did something to me, to know that I could be helping somebody’s mother or father, daughter, son or whoever. I have kids of my own and knowing that one day they might need blood, it made me realize how important this is.”

The biggest push for awareness was made at an August home game. The Stamps provided an autographed jersey as a prize to be drawn, with anyone donating blood during this critical month eligible to win.

“The timing of this support is really important,” said Canadian Blood Services director Susan Matsumoto, “because the summer months pose quite a challenge for the blood system. Many regular blood donors are away on vacation and are busy spending time with family and friends. In the month of August alone, Canadian Blood Services needs to collect 6,000 donations in Southern Alberta to meet the needs of hospital patients.”

For more information, call 1-888-2DONATE or visit the Canadian Blood Services website.