'Thank you to all Canadians': Ukrainians in Sask. show appreciation by donating blood
A group who fled to Canada due to the war in Ukraine are showing their appreciation by donating the gift of life at Canadian Blood Services in Regina.
Many Ukrainians who fled war have said they were embraced by Canadians from the moment they arrived.
“They met us at the airport. It was a beautiful meeting,” Olha Kolos, a member of the donation group explained.
“It was even with two RCMP officers. They were in their red suits with a Ukrainian flag and it was so beautiful.”
As a way of saying thank you to their new home, the group of displaced Ukrainians are rolling up their sleeves and giving the gift of life to those in need.
“This could be a great way to say thank you to all Canadians for all the help for Ukraine, for Ukrainians. We are donating our blood to thank you,” Anastasiia Sheichuk, an organizer of the blood drive, told CTV News.
Many in the group left everything behind in Ukraine and have little to give.
However, they say they can help save the lives of Canadians.
“Every time it’s really important to help people,” Anna Kornus, another member of the group, explained.
“It’s the smallest thing that I can do for people. I have blood. Why not?”
The Canadian Blood Service says it needs 100,000 new donors each year. People moving to Canada from other countries play an important role in fulfilling that ever-increasing need.
“This is a way that they can directly give back in a meaningful way and you know and just recognizing that they have been welcomed in our community and they give back to our community by donating blood,” Aaron Barlow, spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services, said.
About thirty Ukrainians signed up for the blood donation drive.
It’s a partnership that the Canadian Blood Services hopes will be for life.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Countries struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid mistakes made during COVID
After the coronavirus pandemic triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions, leaders at the World Health Organization and worldwide vowed to do better in the future. Years later, countries are still struggling to come up with an agreed-upon plan for how the world might respond to the next global outbreak.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.