Barrie Colts star donates blood to save lives and spread awareness

Barrie Colts are offering a chance to win an autographed hockey stick signed by a star player to those who donate blood before Saturday.

Many parents have been searching for ways to keep the kiddos busy this March Break and Canadian Blood Services is hoping you’ll think of them in your plans this week.

Barrie Colts defencemen Kashawn Aitcheson teamed up with the Barrie branch for a community blood drive.

“We are asking Canadians to join the 450 challenge, every day 450 new donors are needed across Canada,” said Aitcheson, adding, “I’ve been with them for two or three years and donating blood during that time I’ve been trying to spread the message throughout those years as well”.

Anyone who drops by the blood donations centre on Bayview Drive in Barrie before Saturday, will be entered into a draw to win a signed, used hockey stick by Aitcheson.

On Thursday, the star player - number 77 - spent the day at the Barrie blood donation bank, along with mascot Carly Horse, to thank everyone who has come out and share a reminder.

“Just how easy it is to donate, how easy it is to save a life and how much of an impact it really makes – it goes a long way and I don’t think that people really know how much it means,” said Aitcheson.

Appointments for donors are always highly sought after. Every 60seconds someone in Canada needs blood. You can learn more information or book an appointment here: Donor centre hours & locations | Canadian Blood Services.