Last month, The Mission Record ran a story about Dave and Donna Holleman’s challenge to encourage new blood donors.
They wanted to honour their seven-year-old niece, who was administered more than 40 units of blood, as well as platelets and other blood products, while she waited for a heart transplant.
That challenge was answered by the people of Mission.
At the Oct. 14 clinic, 17 first-time donors showed up. That was more than 20 per cent of the total donors at the clinic.
At least five of the first-time donors told volunteer staff that they had come after reading the newspaper article.
Long weekends often translate into a higher number of accidents on the road with a greater potential of injuries requiring blood transfusions. Blood has a short shelf life and people with type O-negative blood are especially needed.
Donated blood lasts no longer than 42 days.
The next clinic in Mission is Monday, Nov. 11 from 2 to 6 p.m. The following clinic is on Dec. 6. Clinics are held in the downstairs hall of Cedar Valley Church at 32860 Cherry Ave. It takes about an hour to register, donate, and enjoy refreshments.
Canadian Blood Services is partnering this month with KIND brand snacks and the Department of National Defense to encourage Canadians to also donate blood in honour of those who serve, or have served, our country.
Making an appointment to donate has never been easier. To book an appointment, check your eligibility, and more, download the Give Blood app, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or visit blood.ca. Walk-in appointments available.