Blood drive being held in memory of late Royal Canoe bassist and partner

Katherine speaks with Jennifer Doerksen, who is helping organize a blood drive in memory of Royal Canoe’s Brendan Berg and his partner Olivia Michalczuk.

A blood drive to honour the memory of late Royal Canoe bassist Brendan Berg and his partner, Olivia Michalczuk, is underway.

“Olivia and Brendan were two of the sweetest, kindest and most generous people I have had the pleasure of knowing,” said Jennifer Doerksen, a friend of the couple and one of the organizers of the blood drive.

“They were both very warm and open people and very loving friends and family members as well.”

Berg and Michalczuk died earlier in the month in a highway crash that also killed a third person.

Doerksen explained that blood donations were essential in trying to save Michalczuk’s life, allowing her to stay alive long enough for her family to say a proper goodbye.

This inspired Michalczuk’s mother Donna to put out a call for blood donations.

“From that point, a bunch of friends and family started to organize this blood drive where we’ve set up a team where people can register as part of the team and donate together so that the Canadian Blood Services are keeping track of all the donations in Olivia and Brendan’s honour,” Doerksen said.

Doerksen said people have appreciated the blood drive as it gives them a tangible way to help.

“To have something that they can do that actually makes a difference in people’s lives, I think, is really helpful,” she said.

As of Wednesday, more than 350 people have signed up for the blood drive, with over 150 units of blood donated and another 40 to 50 coming this week.

Those who want to join the team can do so by going to the Royal Canoe website, where there are instructions on how to take part. https://www.royalcanoe.com/blooddrive

• With files from CTV’s Katherine Dow.