This was my first time giving. I used to joke and say “blood, it’s in me to live”. But over the past yearI’ve spent way more time visiting loved ones in hospital than I’d care to repeat. Add to that COVID 19, social distancing, and vulnerable persons not being able to donate and suddenly it struck me how vital itwas to participate, simply, because I can.
I was shocked to see people lined up and waiting to donate. Donation is by appointment only now, but people lined up civilly, in order of appointment time, at socially acceptable distances. A quick survey about travel and health, some pretzels and water, a test for iron levels and blood pressure, and I was ready to give. It literally took 6 minutes for the donation and they provided more snacks and beverages before I left! Start to finish for a first timer I’d say plan about 20-30 minutes.
While there I met Mike Kasunic. He was there with his son James. His daughter, Natasha, was scheduledto donate later. Mike has given blood “more than 20 times”. He first donated when he was in high school and today his children were both first time donors.
Despite the uncertainty of the times, the need for donors remains strong. According to the blood.ca website, donated blood and platelets have a limited shelf life and every 60 seconds someone in Canada needs blood. You can check your eligibility and make an appointment on the website.
Fran Morris, Volunteer Organizer and Legion Executive tells me “There were 66 donors today, which is a little higher than normal, and substantially high first-time donors like you that responded to social media. 15 first timers.”
Take it from this first timer, Fran and her volunteers, they make it easy to give.
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