91原创

Graduating students at 91原创 Christian High School decided others would benefit from them reaching this milestone in their education.

To celebrate graduating, they headed over to a Canadian Blood Services mobile clinic and rolled up their sleeves.

鈥淲e donated at Willoughby Christian Reformed church where the Canadian Blood Services was collecting that day,鈥� explained student Grace Bennett.

She had a more personal reason for wanting to take part.

鈥淚 wanted to lead this project because my grandmother died from leukemia,鈥� Bennett said.

In being a blood donor, she鈥檚 come to learn just what it can mean to thers.

鈥淥ne leukemia patient can require up to 41 units of blood,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f our team can help just one person recover, our mission would be fulfilled.鈥�

She and Kiera Hummelman, Camryn Visscher, Jayde Campbell, Danae Vanderveen, Carson Foster, Josh Nelson, and Carsen Grim may have started a school tradition. Bennett said they hope to inspire others to start donating in their youth and give as long as they can.

鈥淎ll nine of us plan to keep donating as we had no complications,鈥� she said.

Two of the students had donated before.

鈥淭his was my second time,鈥� Bennett said. 鈥淚 felt inspired to do the project after my first donation. I plan to be a regular donor and give until I am ineligible.鈥�

The donors are some of the approximately 78 students who will graduate from the local Christian high school this year.

Bennett explained they are able to celebrate their graduation in measured ways to remain COVID-safe.

鈥淲e are having a grad ceremony this year at our school. It鈥檚 strictly the grads, no spectators,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e also have a banquet dinner at Redwoods Golf course planned, in which the grade will be split into two groups and having a formal dinner together.鈥�

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鈥� READ MORE: A thank you to donors who funded artificial lung machine

鈥� READ MORE: Canadian Blood Services says donations from those who have had COVID-19 are safe