Save a Life Home Opener Is April 13

April 3, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release

Atlético Ottawa proudly announces that Canadian Blood Services will be the club’s community partner for the ‘Save a Life’ Home Opener on Saturday, April 13, 2024 (KO 1PM ET, live on OneSoccer) at TD Place. GET TICKETS! The announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday with Atlético Ottawa CEO Fernando López and President and Strategic Partner Jeff Hunt, joined by Ron Vezina, Vice-President of Public Affairs with Canadian Blood Services.

Through this initiative, Atlético Ottawa will support Canadian Blood Services by encouraging supporters attending the ‘Save a Life’ Home Opener to sign up for the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry. All you need to do is get your cheek swabbed and fill out a form with some basic personal information (which is kept confidential by Canadian Blood Services). The process is simple, taking less than five minutes, and you could help save one of the 1,000+ Canadians searching for a life-saving stem cell match.

This will be the inaugural match of the 2024 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season, with all eyes on the nation’s capital as Atlético Ottawa faces off with Ontario rivals York United. Canadian Blood Services becomes the latest community-oriented partner for Atlético’s Home Opener, following the award-winning kick-off to the 2023 CPL season in support of the CHEO Foundation and local hero Lilly Milett.

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 be of the same ethnic ancestry as the patient who needs a transplant. Diversity in the stem cell registry is vital.

Contrary to common beliefs, most stem cell donations do not involve surgery; instead, collecting your stem cells will most likely involve a process similar to donating blood.

Eligible donors must be between 17-35 years old.

“We are thrilled to partner with Atlético Ottawa at their season home opener,” said Chris van Doorn, Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services. “Partnerships like this are a crucial element of Canada’s Lifeline and greatly support our efforts to recruit more stem cell donors. Every new registrant gives patients hope. Eligible Atlético supporters could be the match for a patient in Canada or across the world.”

Volunteer run stations will line the concourse, with…