A group of Halifax volunteers is trying to convince ethnic men to register for Canada's stem cell network.

Stem cell transplants have become a key treatment for people fighting deadly cancers such as leukemia, but the odds of finding a match are small. For people of different ethnicities, the odds are far less encouraging.

The volunteers are encouraging people to attend an event Saturday at the Ummah Mosque in Halifax so that they can get registered.

Registering is simple: people must fill out a questionnaire and have a few swabs taken of the inside of their cheeks.

“If we have success in creating higher awareness in our communities, that would be a big victory for us. I hope that a lot of people will join us and take this as an example to do more work in their communities,” said Dr. Mohammed Almohammadi.

Of the thousands registered to Canada’s stem cell network, 71 per cent are Caucasian.

The biggest need for donors is young men between the ages of 17 and 35.

Organizers are also hoping people of Filipino, Lebanese, Iranian and Turkish origin attend the session.

A similar event was held last year and attracted 30 people. The goal this year is to get 60 new names on the list.