Have you ever wanted to be a part of something big?
In a way, we get that chance every day during the 2010 Winter Olympics - a nation uniting in its support for our athletes in a competition taking place on our own soil. That team spirit brings us together, whether we're at home watching the games on TV or cheering the athletes on at the venues in Vancouver.There's a different kind of event happening much closer to home next week that also involves high-calibre athletes and will allow you to help, in a very 'big' way, to save lives. Be a part of the team participating in the Big Save - Toronto's biggest blood donor clinic event - along with players from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Raptors, Marlies and the Toronto FC teams. Taking place March 1 at the Air Canada Centre and organized by Canadian Blood Services and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Big Save will give participants a chance to meet some of these players and win raffle prizes including autographed sports memorabilia. It will also make those who participate part of a grand effort to collect 650 units of much needed blood. Though there's no real blood shortage in the city currently, Toronto isn't considered a sufficient contributor to our nation's blood inventory. Across the country 3.4 per cent of the population donates. In Toronto, only 1.8 per cent of the population donates. And last year, more than 50,000 units of blood had to be imported into the city from other regions to make up for the shortfall between donations and patient needs. The high number of hospitals we have across the city makes us one of the heaviest users of the blood bank system, requiring about 196,975 units of blood per year. It's for these reasons Canadian Blood Services is hoping those who have never donated will be inspired to roll up their sleeve and keep coming back.If you want to be a part of something big, here's your chance. Donating is easy. It only takes up an hour of your time, and your blood, with it's three valuable components (red blood cells, plasma and platelets), can save up to three lives with a single donation.We're high on national team spirit these days, why not ride the wave, band together as a city and contribute to a live-saving cause? Call 1-888-2-DONATE to book your appointment.