Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack rolled up his sleeve for the first time on June 11, 2026, donating blood at a local clinic and urging residents to do the same. 'I wish I had started sooner,' Knack said after the donation, highlighting the ease and impact of giving blood.
First-Time Donor Experience
Knack, who had never donated before, described the process as straightforward and painless. He was motivated by the constant need for blood supplies in hospitals across the province. 'It's something so simple that can save lives,' he added.
Call to Action
The mayor encouraged Edmontonians to book appointments, especially during summer months when donations typically drop. Canadian Blood Services reports that only about 4% of eligible Canadians donate, a figure Knack hopes to increase through his example.
- Appointments can be made online or by phone.
- Donors must be at least 17 years old and meet health criteria.
- Whole blood donations take about an hour.
Knack's donation comes as part of a broader push to boost local blood reserves ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will bring thousands of visitors to Edmonton.
