Twenty years ago, I was empowered by a
suggestion that the first step needed to bring about change simply comes from
oneself. The second step is to realize
that we all have the ability to positively influence our family, friends,
co-workers and neighbours. After this,
we need only to recognize providence as we continue to look for fresh and new
ways to embrace our united future.
Over these last twenty years, I’ve witnessed so
many acts of sharing, caring and giving, that I will always remain an optimist
when I regard humanity’s ability to act
altruistically. One of the
freshest examples of this attitude filled my heart just a short time ago and
I’m proud to say that it happened right here in Byron.
Several times each year the London Blood Bank
goes mobile. Many donors who shared
their stories with me at the last mobile clinic held at St. George’s Church on
Commissioners Road, told me that they are only able to attend these events. They are very grateful that these mobile
clinics are regularly scheduled in order to allow more people from our
community to participate.
As I looked around the very full room of
nurses, service technicians and donors, I was unable to see a common thread
among those in attendance. There seemed
to be an equal split between men and women and the ages varied greatly.
“Dedicated” is how one nurse described many of
the donors. Throughout the evening I met
people who have been donating whole blood for many years. The reasons were very similar. “It’s easy to donate blood… you just have to
sit there.” All the donors I spoke with
think that this is the simplest way to make a positive change in the
world. “It only takes a few minutes of
your time to give someone else a gift that will last for their lifetime!”
Although many people have similar reasons for
continuing with this lifestyle, their beginnings are all unique. Some began with a small nudge by a family
member or a co-worker who also had a history of being a donor. One gentleman started donating over 43 years
ago because, “it was an excuse to get out of class. I’ve been donating ever since.”
I spoke with one mother who began donating a
year after the birth of her child. “Our
baby was born prematurely and was in need of blood. Two transfusions were needed. It was during this time that I realized just
how important it is to donate blood and soon after I became a regular donor.”
One young first-timer told me that social media
got him involved. “A friend sent me a
link about blood donations to my Facebook page and I checked it out. I had the next two days off work and on the
first day, I called 1-888-2-DONATE and I made the appointment to be here
today.” He proudly showed me his ‘First
Donation’ pin!
On Thursday, February 18th, between
4:30pm and 7:30pm St. George’s Church will be having another mobile blood bank
event and it would bring me much satisfaction to hear that this story inspired
many first time Byron donors to attend to share their gift of life.
Please call 1-888-236-6283 or visit
www.blood.ca to make your appointment.
Walk-ins are also more than welcome!
No comments:
Post a Comment