Blood, sweat and cheers!

Canadian Blood Services’ participation in the 2018 Scotiabank Charity Challenge at the Mississauga Marathon raised over $55,000 — the combined fundraising efforts of a team of over 100 individuals committed to making a lifesaving difference for Canadian patients when they need it most.

During the May 4-6 weekend, runners and walkers proudly donned their red Canadian Blood Services’ team shirts to participate in events ranging from a fun 2 km walk, to a full Boston-qualifying marathon. Regardless of their race distance, participants were unified under a common goal: to support programs that help recruit the next generation of blood, stem cell and organ donors, and fuel innovative research in transfusion and transplantation medicine.

Despite the heavy weekend rain and winds, Keith Ardiel, an employee of Canadian Blood Services’ primary event sponsor, Bayer Inc., was all smiles at the finish line of the five km race, which he ran alongside his twelve-year-old daughter Kalia.

“I saw the event on my company’s intranet site and decided to go for a run,” explained Keith, who spent the weeks leading up to the event fundraising with his daughter and Bayer colleagues, while spreading the message about the importance of Canadian Blood Services’ work.

This year, participants including Canadian Blood Services staff and CEO, Dr. Graham Sher, local businesses and community members contributed to a record-breaking total of $280,000 raised by 31 charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at the Mississauga Marathon. Canadian Blood Services was awarded an additional $2,000 through the challenge as the charity with the most team members.

Since the Scotiabank Charity Challenge began in 2003, participants have helped raise over $62 million which went directly to charities across Canada, creating a stronger future for young people and building vibrant communities. Funds raised in support of Canadian Blood Services will help save lives by funding our work in four areas: blood, stem cells, organs and tissues, and research and innovation.