Hundreds donate at 43rd annual Montreal Canadiens blood drive

The Bell Centre ice was transformed into the 43rd annual Montreal Canadiens Blood Drive on Wednesday in partnership with Héma-Québec, where hundreds rolled up their sleeves, ready to give blood.

“Giving blood is like a big thing for me,” said Yasmila Caron, who donated blood for the fourth time. “I’m a big fan of the Canadiens and I love helping people.”

“That’s both something I can do here.”

“We think because it’s a bigger needle that will be more painful,” said Caron. “But it’s not at all.”

“I really think that’s the same thing as like a vaccine.”

About 750 donors were expected between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the main entrance of the Bell Centre on Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal.

They were giving back while in the presence of current Habs players, alumni, and coaches.

“I think it’s just a helping your neighbour type of attitude,” said Mike Matheson assistant captain of the Montreal Canadiens. “Just builds that tight knit community that we have in Montreal and greater Montreal.”

Since its start in 1981 by Jean Béliveau and Claude Mouton, former sports commentator and announcer at the Montreal Forum — the blood drive has made a positive impact, with 38,147 donations.

That blood, according to Héma-Québec, has helped save 114,441 lives.

“The objective today is 750 donations” said Josée Larivée, spokesperson of Héma-Québec. “Nevertheless, we have to say that it’s it’s a drop in a huge bucket.”

“Every day in Quebec, has to collect 1,000 blood donations.”

Donating doesn’t end here — appointments to give blood near you can be made online at the Hema-Quebec website.

“It’s amazing to just see selflessness like that,” said Matheson. “And people helping each other.”

“Everybody should give blood just because you can help so many people with it,” added Caron. “That’s a beautiful thing.”