PETERBOROUGH, ON – The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers and Brooklin Redmen of Major Series Lacrosse are familiar foes, having enjoyed many battles over the years. There comes a time, however, when on-floor rivalries take a back seat to real-life.
This coming Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19, the Lakers are proud to lend their support to Canadian Blood Services as they host a blood-donor clinic in honour of Tucker Williams. Tucker, the eight-year-old son of the Redmen’s Shawn Williams, passed away in 2014 from Burkitt’s lymphoma, but in his short life he inspired all he met to be braver than brave.
Most of the players who were on the floor Thursday night when the Redmen visited the Lakers had the privilege of either playing against, with or for Shawn Williams at some point in their career. Many even knew Tucker. The lacrosse community is small. We are all family.
Tamara Williams, Tucker’s mother, sent us this message: The Williams’ family is “so thankful for all of Tucker’s blood donors throughout his treatment. It is so important to raise awareness and recruit new donors, young and old. It is a selfless act that will give a stranger more time to spend with their family and friends. Blood donation is truly the gift of life.”
Half of all Canadians will either need blood themselves or know someone who will need blood at some point in their lives. Yet only four percent of Canadians currently donate. Your donation can treat cancer patients, bring a car crash victim through surgery or even help a transplant patient’s new heart beat for the first time. One donation can help save three lives.
Canadian Blood Services asks that you schedule an appointment in advance. The clinic is open after 5 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. We’re hoping to have a couple of Lakers on hand Wednesday to thank participants. The Lakers will then play the Redmen on Wednesday night at Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby. Donate in the day then come cheer on your Lakers at night.
Canadian Blood Services is in need of blood donors all across Canada. Please consider joining the Lakers as they honour Tucker Williams and sign-up for an appointment at your local donation centre.
For more information on blood donation and to book your appointment, please visit blood.ca.
