Canadian Blood Services is encouraging youth to donate in a unique way.

The Give Life High School Challenge is available to all secondary schools located in close proximity to a permanent centre, and Cochrane High School (CHS) is taking part.  CHS is in a friendly competition with other high schools across the country to see who can donate the most blood.

Tailleur Oulton and Mackenzie Ireland are both ambassadors and say the contest was created to raise awareness, get rid of stigma, and encourage young people to donate.

"It has to be part of our generation as well not just the older generation because eventually they are not going to be able to do it anymore. We want to bring awareness to younger peers."

When the contest first started many students were put off by donating but after a couple of clinics with grades 11 and 12, the girls say that students are doing an about face.

The contest is running nationally from September 1 to May 31 and currently CHS is in the lead. Anyone across Canada can donate and if you use Cochrane High's code (COCH657981) the donation acts as point for the school. 

You must be 17 years of age, males can donate every 56 days and females every 84.

Cochrane High will enter the competition again next year.