Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassadors Program

“I recently donated blood for the first time. A good friend of mine was in the Humboldt [Broncos] crash, and after that, I learned how many people need blood in Canada every day – and how every donation matters. I’ve been fortunate to live a good, healthy life, but you never know when you or someone you know will need blood.”

Watch Alex's video

“I was shocked at how easy and painless the whole process was [to donate]! I hope that by sharing my experience with others, I can inspire them to use their own lifesaving ability to help someone in need.”

“I really do hope that one day I’ll receive ‘the call’ to be a stem cell donor. I’ll be feeling pure joy and happiness if it happens. If my stem cells can save someone’s life, please take them!”

Watch Braden's video

“Understanding how much blood is actually needed every day to help save lives is what inspired me to become a player ambassador. [Donating blood] is an easy way to make a big impact for patients across Canada."

“I hope that my actions help show people that anyone can be a difference-maker. It’s really very easy to save lives. Every person, every donation helps.”

“I think it’s important for others to know that by registering your decision to become an organ and tissue donor and informing your loved ones of your wishes, you can help save and transform someone’s life.”

“My dad is a paramedic, so I’ve learned from him just how valuable blood is in emergency situations. I wanted to become a player ambassador so that I could use my platform to help ensure that blood is always there for patients who need it.”

“I wanted to remember someone very special to me by doing my part to help other patients fight life-threatening diseases. I couldn’t believe how simple and easy the process was [to donate stem cells], especially considering my actions could literally help save a life.”

“I would be very excited to get a call saying I was a [stem cell] match for someone. It would be pretty cool to know that there is someone out there in need of a transplant and that I, specifically, could help save their life.”

Watch Dylan's video

“I know the positive impact that other people’s donations had on my family — knowing there are so many other people and families out there who need blood like my brother did made my decision to start donating a very easy one.”

Watch Emily's video

“I was inspired to become a donor after a car accident involving a member of the Edmonton Oil Kings family. I want other people to know that they don’t have to wait for something to happen to them personally before they give back.”

“I joined the player ambassador program to spread awareness about how easy it is to make a difference, and to save someone’s life by donating blood. I also jumped at the chance to register to be a stem cell and organ donor. If I were ever in the position [where I required a transplant] I would hope there was someone out there willing to do the same for me.”

“Before becoming a blood donor, I didn’t realize just how easy it was to help others and save lives. Now, I want to help build awareness in the hockey community so that more people join Canada’s Lifeline.”

“I started donating blood because I wanted to help give back to my community. It would also mean the world to me if one day my stem cells could also help save a life.”

“If you’re willing to give up just an hour of your time to donate blood, you can save a life — there’s really nothing more rewarding than that.”

“If one person donates, that helps a lot. But it doesn’t do the whole job. Every 60 seconds, someone in Canada needs blood. And as more and more people donate, it’s like a whole team is helping out the person who needs it.”

“Blood transfusions allowed my dad to live a more comfortable and capable life at home. I remember one Christmas, the only reason my dad was able to come home from the hospital was because of the transfusions of blood he received from anonymous donors.”

Watch Julia's video

“I wanted to help raise awareness about the importance of blood and stem cell donation in honour of those affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus accident. I like the idea that I can help save a life now through blood donation — and then potentially help someone down the road if I’m a stem cell match.”

“My cousin passed away from cancer, but the stem cell transplants he received during his treatment helped give my family more time with him. We had to rely on the kindness of donors – complete strangers – to help extend my cousin’s life, so I owe it to them to do my part to give back, too.”

“I knew a couple of the players that were involved in the Humboldt Broncos crash who I played [hockey] with when I was younger, so it really hit home for me when this tragedy happened how important it was to donate [blood products]. It could have been any junior hockey team — or anybody, really.”

Watch Liam's video

“When I was younger, I got very sick and needed blood from volunteer donors. Today I’m healthy and have started donating blood myself to give back and thank all those people who helped me.”

“I was so surprised at just how easy it is to donate blood. To me, giving up about an hour of your time to potentially give someone back their life is honestly one of the most rewarding things I could imagine.”

“Being a part of the Player Ambassador program makes me appreciate life a lot more. You never know when you may be the one in need of blood.” 

Watch Logan's video

“I started donating after learning about how many people in Canada require blood transfusions and stem cell transplants every day. I want to help make a difference in someone’s life.”

“I started donating blood after a close colleague of mine was diagnosed with a rare blood disease. Now, as a player ambassador, my hope is that I can help encourage more young hockey players to leave a footprint in their communities.”

“I became a player ambassador because I want to make a positive impact and help people in need. Aside from donating blood and stem cells, I think that becoming an organ donor is another important way to leave a legacy and continue to help others – even after you’re gone.”

“I donated blood for the first time ever this fall. It was quick, easy and painless — and it felt even better to know that my actions could help save a life."

Watch Reid's video

“Other peoples’ lives depend on you donating blood products and the process is so quick and easy — so why wouldn’t you volunteer to help save a life?”

Watch Sebastian's video

“The first time I donated blood, I couldn’t believe how easy it was. I hope that by sharing my experience with others, they’ll be inspired to donate too.”

“I want to make an impact in my community — I’m from Charlottetown and play hockey in Charlottetown and I want to make a difference here at home. PEI is such a tight-knit province and I’m eager to get out and talk to people about the lifesaving impact they can also make.”

“I grew up with a mom who is a regular blood donor. I always looked up to her and knew I also wanted to help make a difference in people’s lives, as soon as I was old enough to donate myself. Now, my mom and I donate blood together and I’ve also registered to be an organ donor. Why not be somebody’s hero?”

“I lost my uncle to leukemia when I was young, and that experience changed my perspective on life. I learned that donating blood, plasma, stem cells and other blood products can help people who are sick and give them a chance to fight for life. It’s the easiest gift to give, and one that makes the biggest difference. Someday, it could be your own life that requires saving.”

Watch Tristan's video

“I started donating blood after watching a family friend battle cancer. Many people my age might not personally know someone who has needed blood, so I want to use my platform to build awareness about how important it is for young people to join Canada’s Lifeline.”

“There are so many people out there who need our help. By giving up just a small part of your day to donate blood, you can help save someone’s life and give them back so many more days and years with their families and loved ones.”