The Saskatchewan Roughriders are asking their fans to literally bleed green.

The team partnered with SaskEnergy for their third campaign to encourage fans to donate blood to the Canadian Blood Services.

"We are always looking to give back ... we think this just ties in with that and supporting good health," said Jim Hopson, Rider president and CEO.

As people donate, they are entered for a chance to win the opportunity to carry the Canadian flag onto Taylor field at a Riders game.

The Bleed Green campaign has brought in over 4,000 blood donations since 2010, in Rider terms that is 2,400 pounds of blood, which is nearly the weight of the Rider's entire offensive line.

The Rider pride was evident in the donation room for the program kickoff, with green jerseys from wall to wall.

SaskEnergy's Lisa Durocher came partly for the riders and partly for the cause.

"As I was dressing up my daughter this morning in her little Rider jersey it hit me that there are kids out there who need blood ... I am going to donate on both our behalves," she said.

Carma-Lynn Ahenakew said she took a lot more than she gave.

"My nurse was telling me that you can save three people's lives by donating one time," she said.

Nurse Charlene Harwood said donating is also a good time.

"We are having a really good time here today ... it's a good turnout," she said.

To book a donation appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283)

kmalone@rawlco.com