‘I wish I had started sooner’: Knack donates blood for first time, urges others to follow suit

Andrew Knack donated blood for the first time as part of National Blood Week.

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack rang in both the start of FIFA World Cup soccer and National Blood Donor Week by giving blood dressed in a red Team Canada shirt on Thursday.

He was donating blood for the first time alongside Coun. Michael Janz to mark National Blood Donor Week and the act’s importance in saving lives.

“I wish I had started sooner,” Knack said. “I’m glad this will be my first time. And we’ve got many more to go after this.”

The duo wanted Edmontonians to know how accessible the Edmonton Donor Centre is, as well: on 106 Street by the Whitemud Crossing public library, with “a lot of parking.”

“It’s really easy to come by and visit, they take care of you, and they’ve got great cookies,” Janz said. “It takes five to 10 minutes, and you could save a life.”

Canadian Blood Services community manager Charlene Hargreaves said the organization celebrates its more than 400,000 donors every year, and is always looking for more.

“The need for blood is always constant. Whole blood has a shelf life of 42 days. Right now, we need O-positive blood, however we have a need for all blood types,” she said.

Appointments to donate can be made online.