CALGARY — Dozens of Syrian refugees spent Saturday morning at the Canadian Blood Services clinic in Eau Claire.

Coast to coast, Syrian refugees were showing their gratitude for a chance at a new life by donating blood to help other lives.

Sam Nammoura, with the Syrian Refugee Support Group of Calgary, helped organize a blood drive for the Syrian community back in January. The success of the event got him and other organizers thinking that they could organize another Canada-wide. More than 10 cities are participating.

“We really wanted to come together across the country as a Syrian community and say in one loud voice that we are here to build, participate, integrate and to appreciate the support and the help that was given to Syrians.”

Reham Ghanam was 14 when her family fled Syria and headed to Lebanon. She was 16 when they finally arrived to Canada in late 2015.

Although she was a little nervous, the high school student decided to roll up her sleeves so she could help someone else.

“The last few years, there was war and there were so many people dying. So many people died because they lost blood,” said Ghanam. “It feels good when you try to save someone’s life by donating blood.”

Nammoura says that giving blood is symbolic in Syrian culture.

“It’s a strong message of loyalty to the cause and a strong message to the commitment. So when you say, ‘I give you my blood,’ it emphasizes how serious you are in your dedication.”

Faddel Hattab came here as a refugee less than a year ago. Participating in the blood drive was important to him because he wanted to give back to a community that has been so welcoming to him. He said he hopes this will inspire more people to donate blood.

“I feel like this is something you’re able to do; you should do it. If we can do something to save a life, why not?” says Hattab. “We have to remind people how important this is. Just recently, we had the tragedy in Humboldt, people lose blood in accidents like this, so I think everyone should be doing it.”

Nammoura envisions more blood donation drives hosted by the Syrian community.

“We really want to make it a tradition for April 14: Syrian donation day.”

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Mary Getaneh is a Calgary-based reporter covering arts, culture and diversity. Follow her on Twitter: @marygetaneh

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