Anyone who has played rugby is likely familiar with the phrase, "Give Blood, Play Rugby".

The phrase has appeared on shirts and other merchandise, referring to the sport's grit and toughness, but also as a rallying call to donate blood. The Comox Valley Kickers has been answering the call, donating around 60 units of blood since the club partnered with Canadian Blood Service (CBS) as Partner for Life in June 2023, according to Paolo Oliveros, strategic communications for CBS.

Derek McCubbin, a player for the Kickers who organizes the club's blood drives, says the club has made 44 donations so far and might reach 60 by the end of the year (the next drive is on Nov. 27).

Each donation is 450ml (roughly a pint) of blood. 

"CBS says one donation can save up to three lives," said McCubbin. "So by year's end, the Kickers could have saved 180 lives this year."

McCubbin says the majority of the donations are from the Ladies team, who donated 60 to 70 per cent of the total amount.

He further described the partnership as being great.

"Patricia (Willms) at CBS has been fantastic. Well-organized, helpful, and responsive. She has also advocated for our team for recognition."

McCubbin is encouraging more sports clubs and organizations in the Comox Valley to partner with CBS.

"It's the purest form of giving," he said. "It goes to save and improve lives. It costs you time, and they give you juice and snacks."

According to Oliveros, the CBS needs to attract more than 100,000 new, first-time, donors to ensure patients have access to life-saving blood and blood products, where and when they need it.

"As it can often take more than one donor to save a life, Partners for Life brings people together with the common goal of supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities. Together, people united to help raise awareness, donate blood, or support the stem cell or organ registries. Donating with others can be a meaningful tradition," he said. "Canadian Blood Services appreciates all the time and energy that sports teams invest in these partnerships. We are incredibly grateful for the awareness created within the sports community, many of which are new or first-time donors. Teams and leagues are encouraged to continue to champion saving lives together by organizing a group donation or adopting a donation event."

Clubs and organizations can become Partners for Life by signing up at blood.ca/partners. The CBS system is national in scope, with donations being sent to hospitals and patients around the country.