Sixty-five Syrian refugees arrived at a Calgary clinic on Monday to donate blood and show support for the country that took them in during the recent refugee crisis.

The month of January doesn’t usually see a lot of blood donations, according to Jhoanna Delrosario of Canadian Blood Services, but this New Year’s Day was different.

“We are very grateful for the Syrian community and the newcomers,” Delrosario told CTV News.

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Throughout the day, 64 units of blood were to be collected, but more is always needed. At the clinic at Eau Claire Market where the drive was taking place, there are 450 appointments waiting to be filled, according to CTV News.

“I like to give blood for Canadian people,” Syrian newcomer Wafa Anomar told CTV News. “If I can help some people, that is awesome for me.”

About 100,000 new donors are needed every year, according to Canadian Blood Services. The donations are much appreciated and the act of giving blood holds great importance in the Syrian community.

Read More: 27 Heartwarming Stories About Refugees From 2017

“Donating blood in the Syrian culture is considered very symbolic and is the highest forms of loyalty to the country,” Sam Nammoura from Calgary’s Syrian Refugee Support Group told Global News.

Each unit of blood collected is approximately 450 milliliters. To put that in perspective, it can take up to 50 units to save someone who is involved in a car crash.

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Syrian Refugees Show Gratitude to Canada by Donating Blood

By Jackie Marchildon