Canada

The grieving parents of a Canadian soldier who served in Afghanistan hope British Columbia residents will remember their son by donating blood in November.

Canadian Blood Services has launched the Remember the Power of Giving campaign, inspired by Cpl. Darren Fitzpatrick, the Prince George, BC, resident severely wounded in 2010 while serving with international forces in Afghanistan.

A series of blood transfusions prolonged the 21-year-old's life so he could be returned to Prince George to say good-bye to his loved ones before passing away in March 2010.

Fitzgerald's mother, Colleen, says supporting Canadian Blood Services is the family's opportunity to share Darren's story and to pay it forward.

During November, blood donors in BC can submit stories in honour of those who have inspired their donations, and the stories will be displayed in clinics and on the region's Facebook page.

BC residents can book a donation appointment by visiting blood.ca (Kelowna info here) or calling 1-888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).