A group of first-time blood donors in Calgary helped meet a vital need on Victoria Day, highlighting the ongoing demand for a variety of blood products.

The group is a small sect of Muslims, with nearly one million members worldwide. Ali Onwala, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community, explained, "Many members of our community are not sure about the blood donation process and how they want to participate."

There are about 1.8 billion Muslims in the world, and community service is a fundamental principle of their faith.

Onwala added, "We felt that the best way to give back is by giving life." Francis Arana, a community volunteer and organizer of new donors, said on Monday's intake: "We have nearly 50 people, and 90 percent of them are first-time donors."

Canadian Blood Services says donations have declined since the start of the pandemic, but there has also been a sharp drop in blood product reserves, which have decreased by nearly 25 percent since April.

Lisa Castro from Canadian Blood Services says, "One in two is eligible to donate, and what we see is only one in 81. So we need to bring in more new donors."

It is important to get donations from a variety of ethnicities, as some blood products and treatments require a close match between the patient and the donor.

Castro says, "In some cases, such as our stem cell patients, they need certain blood types to support them."

To make an appointment, you must book online by going to Canadian Blood Services. The donation appointment takes about 30 minutes.