Community Update: Canadian Blood Services and Lionhearts, a roaring success

April 26, 2024

Atleti In The Community Canadian Blood Services Community Community Update Food Drive Lionhearts Stem Cell Registry

Atlético Ottawa’s unbeaten start on the pitch has been bested only by the roaring success of the early season community initiatives, with Canadian Blood Services and Lionhearts Inc. front and centre.

The season kicked off with the ‘Save a Life’ Home Opener, and a revamped Atlético Ottawa squad brought the heat as an electric crowd braved the frigid temperatures, gusty wind and (a times, sideways) rain. A 2-1 win got the season off to a great start on the pitch.

Off the field, though, it was an even bigger win. The collaboration with Canadian Blood Services for the ‘Save a Life’ Home Opener, presented by Sean Frost Real Estate, had a goal at its heart, to increase the number of people on Canada’s Stem Cell Registry.

With over 50 eligible supporters taking a couple of minutes out of their day to join the registry, this was one of Canadian Blood Services’ largest events this year. Here’s a reminder as to why it’s so important:

Approximately 1,000 people in Canada are waiting for a donor match from the stem cell registry
When a patient undergoes a stem cell transplant, it’s often their last hope for survival.
Matching donors are more likely to come from the same ethnic ancestry as the patient in need of a transplant. Diversity in the stem cell registry is key.
Contrary to common beliefs, most stem cell donations do not involve surgery; instead, the method for collecting your stem cells will most likely involve a process similar to donating blood.
Eligible donors must be between 17-35 years old.

You can join Atlético Ottawa’s ‘Partners for Life’ team by scanning the QR code below, adding points each time you make a blood, plasma or stem cell donation.

Join Atlético Ottawa’s ‘Partners for Life’ Team today, scan the QR code above and help us Save a Life.

Professional soccer returned to Ottawa with a quick-fire double this year, as Atlético’s second home match came but five days later, and the weather did not improve for the supporters who braved the elements. It was also the return of the ‘Pay What You Can’ match and for the first time in club history, the second match of the season saw an increase in attendance!

Lionhearts Inc. is a food rescue company that was founded in Kingston, ON, and expanded to Ottawa in late 2017. We asked generous supporters to not only bring the usual electric atmosphere to TD Place but also non-perishable food items such as pasta, pasta sauce, rice, canned goods (soups, stews, beans, fruit, vegetables, fish and meat) as well as other pantry favourites such as cereal, school snacks, peanut butter and jam for Lionhearts Inc.

AND YOU DELIVERED! With enough food to provide 500+ meals to Ottawa residents in need. This, coupled with our Primary Jersey initiative, feeding 30 low-income residents through the Caldwell Family Centre with each jersey sold, you’re helping us make a real impact in tacking food insecurity in Ottawa.

“Thank you Atlético Ottawa for your partnership and hospitality, and to your fans for all the support. The Lionhearts team was truly encouraged by the outpouring of love and support, proving once again we are stronger together. Viva Atlético!” said Travis Blackmore Founder and C.E.O. Lionhearts Inc.

Let’s keep this momentum going. We have four matches in 10 days, with a trip to Halifax Wanderers this weekend before returning to Ottawa as we face Valour FC at the start of our Canadian Championship campaign.