A pint with purpose: Canada needs 1 million blood donors

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We hope everyone had a good Victoria Day and enjoyed the long weekend.

Last week, we asked if you’d felt that there were barriers to sports or recreational activities growing up. You were evenly spilt — 44% of you had no issues, while 42% of you had faced hurdles. The other 4% hadn’t been interested.

Some readers noted the challenges of living in a rural community with fewer options. Others pointed to today’s barriers, including time, concerns about respect, and the increase in sports as a revenue generator vs. a community service.

👀 In today's edition:

• 103 employees at Bow Valley College lose their jobs

• Life after the Humboldt crash for a survivor

• Approval for coal exploration in the Rockies

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WORTH KNOWING

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QUICK POLL

A pint with purpose: Canada needs 1 million blood donors

Across Canada, more people than ever are depending on life-saving donations — and Canadian Blood Services is calling on communities to help. The organization recently announce a new recruitment initiative aimed at attracting one million new donors over the next five years — its most ambitious goal to date.

According to Canadian Blood Services, demand for blood in Canada is expected to grow by nearly 10 per cent over the next five years, while the demand for immunoglobulins, a type of infection-fighting protein made by plasma cells, could grow by 50 per cent or more.

To help motivate donors, Canadian Blood Services unveiled a new brand platform asking, ‘Who’s Saving Who?’ The platform and accompanying launch video highlight the impact on donors, including a sense of achievement, purpose, and connection.

According to the Government of Alberta, blood donation takes about an hour in total, including answering some questions and completing a short exam. The actual drawing of blood only lasts for 10 minutes, but produces around a pint of blood.

Anyone interested in donating can head to one of several locations in Calgary, all listed on the Canadian Blood Services site.

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Need to know

🚨 Mayor Gondek pushed for the return of photo radar, just a month and a half after the province significantly scaled back its use. Gondek pointed to a number of “disturbing traffic incidents” from the last week alone.

💭 One hundred and three employees were laid off from Bow Valley College after coming up $15.6 million short in its latest budget. Here’s what the college says caused the shortfall.

❤️‍🩹 Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki will share his story of life since the devastating crash in a new TV series airing next week.

⛰️ A coal exploration project in the Rocky Mountains was approved last week, after being rejected in 2021 for the likelihood of its environmental impact.

👀 If you’ve ever wondered what a $13.5M mansion looks like inside, now’s your chance to take a peek. The home in northwest Calgary even features a Harry Potter-inspired library.

🏥 Alberta’s new government ministers were sworn in on Friday, including those responsible for two new health services portfolios. The province now has four ministers responsible for separate health portfolios.

🚌 Calgary bell times are changing for some schools, come September, thanks to an expanded school bus service. Parents can check bell times for the next school year here.

🎒Support Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids (BB4CK) at The CORE Shopping Centre! Join their campaign to combat child hunger in Calgary, where 1 in 3 kids face food insecurity. Drop off nutritious snacks or donate — every $4 provides one lunch for a hungry student. Make a difference today!*

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It’s time to put on your dancing shoes

Looking for a toe-tapping good time? Stage West Calgary is bringing the high-energy musical Footloose to life, running now to June 22. If you haven’t seen the original 1984 film or its 2011 remake, Footloose tells the story of Ren McCormack, a city teen who moves to a small town where dancing is banned. Determined to shake things up, Ren challenges the status quo, leading to a tale of resilience, community, and, of course, dance.

Under the direction of Phil Nero, Stage West’s production features songs like "Let's Hear It for the Boy" and "Holding Out for a Hero." Plus, enjoy a buffet dinner as part of the experience.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Cold Beer & Pizza: If pizza is the order of the night, you may want to come with friends. This pub serves up half-metre and metre-long pizzas like the “Diablo,” topped with pepperoni, jalapeños, and hot honey, or the aptly named “Porky's.”

🍴 Fork and Greens: If fast and healthy is what you’re looking for, look no further than Fork and Greens. The creators of this eatery believe that nutritious food “shouldn’t be a luxury,” and their menu reflects that.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Rightside Out: Joy Is Free: This show, written for kids and with a menu designed for its audience, imagines a world where our inner emotions become singing characters. The accompanying menu features starters, entrees, desserts, and drinks for both kids and parents.

🎟️ Paint And Sip Night For Adults: Unleash your inner artist at this two-hour painting workshop. With guided step-by-step instructions, this event is designed to be enjoyable and accessible for all skill levels.

🎟️ Tasty, Low Salt Cooking May 29 - Learn how to cook delicious meals with less salt in this FREE online cooking demo with registered dietitians from the South Health Campus Wellness Kitchen. Recipes included.*

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