Hydro One helped kick off this area’s first Canadian Blood Services Partners for Life Corporate Challenge.

Eight employees made blood donations Friday morning to give the program a head start.

“This turnout is awesome,” said Julie Rose, clinic development co-ordinator for Canadian Blood Services. “This is a great start.”

So far, 20 corporate teams have signed up for the challenge, pledging a total of 1,000 units of blood.

Rose said they are hoping more teams will sign up to reach the goal of 1,500 units.

Julie Moir, from Hydro One, said it was important for her team to come out, especially for such a good cause.

“These donations aren’t just for accidents. These are for cancer patients and a whole lot more people. It’s huge,” she said. “You think it’s just for people in accidents, but it is so much more than that.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the corporate challenge or to make a donation can call 792-2566 or 1-8888-2-DONATE.