Blood for memory: Toronto community mobilizes for April 25 blood drive
(Photo: Nguyen Hiep)
TORONTOHYE—Next Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario (ACMAO) and the Toronto Armenian Community Centre will jointly host the Blood for Memory blood donation campaign. Held within the framework of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the initiative's organizers have set a target of at least 111 donors.
During an interview with Nor Hai Horizon host Katya Der Hovagimian, ACMAO members Dr. Ani Hasserjian and Dr. Razmik Bebedjian explained the details and the history behind the event.
The concept for this unique drive began in 2015 during the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, launched by Armenian youth in Switzerland. The goal was to respond to the blood of 1.5 million martyrs with a humanitarian gift to all of humanity—giving blood to save new lives. The Toronto community joined the movement with enthusiasm that year; Dr. Hasserjian recalled the historic atmosphere on April 12, 2015, when the doors of the Armenian Centre opened to a unified sense of community. The first donors that day were Armenia's former Ambassador to Canada, Armen Yeganian, and his two sons, who set the example for the community.
"During the Centennial, we adopted the motto 'I remember, and I demand.' Our wish is for that spirit to continue today... as Armenian-Canadians, and specifically as Torontohyes, we have inter-denominational, inter-party, and inter-organizational cooperation. All the events we organize, we do so with a unified spirit. Let us all be a good example for everyone—from Armenia to the Diaspora—in spreading this unity," Hasserjian noted.
As a sign of continuity, the first donor of the day will be one of ACMAO’s founders and its first president, Dr. Jirayr Ternamian, followed by his nephew and the association’s current president, Dr. Christian Ternamian.
Dr. Razmik Bebedjian outlined the specific eligibility requirements for the day. Donors must be at least 17 years old—noting that weight restrictions apply for those aged 17 to 23—and must weigh more than 50 kilograms. Bebedjian emphasized that candidates should not have travelled in the previous three weeks, particularly to malaria-risk zones, and must not have received a tattoo or piercing in the last three months. Pregnant women are not eligible until six months after giving birth, and donors must be free of blood infections or diseases. Regarding medication, Bebedjian clarified that while most prescriptions are acceptable, a nurse will be at the centre to address specific questions.
The drive will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Canadian Blood Services centre in Vaughan (200 Windflower Gate, Woodbridge). To facilitate the commute, organizers are providing shuttle buses from the Armenian Community Centre (45 Hallcrown Place) every hour starting at 11 a.m. for each scheduled appointment.
Donors are required to register online in advance. Flyers with QR codes have been placed in various community centres and churches to link directly to the registration page. During the process, candidates will answer nine eligibility questions. Organizers urge early registration to help coordinate time slots and gauge the number of donors expected per hour. While individuals may choose to drive themselves, the shuttle service is encouraged to foster a sense of community.
Bebedjian urged all segments of the community to participate, characterizing the donation as a symbol of Armenian resilience. He noted that by contributing to the Canadian blood supply, the community is "honouring the survival of previous generations by protecting and sustaining the lives of others in our modern-day Canadian society."
The doctors reaffirmed that blood donation is a noble act. "Sometimes we think only doctors can save lives, but we all have that capacity," they concluded, urging those who are able to join the effort.
