Students from Cochrane High School (CHS) are participating in a contest to give life.

The Give Life High School Challenge is available to all secondary schools located in close proximity to a permanent centre, and CHS is taking part.

The contest is a way for Canadian Blood Services to encourage youth to donate, and pits students across the country in a friendly competition to see who can donate the most blood.

Tailleur Oulton and Mackenzie Ireland are both ambassadors. They said the contest was created to raise awareness, get rid of stigma, and encourage young people to donate. Participants have to be at least 17 years old. Boys can donate every 56 days and girls can donate every 84 days.

"It has to be part of our generation as well not just the older generation because eventually they are not going to be able to do it anymore. We want to bring awareness to younger peers."

When the contest first started many students were put off by donating, but after a couple of clinics with grades 11 and 12, Oulton and Ireland said that students were not so hesitant.

The contest runs from September 1 to May 31. CHS is currently in the lead.

Anyone in Canada can donate. Using Cochrane High's code (COCH657981) scores a point for the school.

Cochrane High will enter the competition again next year.

 

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