Rolling up their sleeves
Mayor’s annual blood drive continues until Friday
Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett knows just what kind of difference donating blood can make, having been a recipient himself after heart valve replacement surgery in 2012.
So when it comes to the eighth annual Canadian Blood Services (CBS) blood drive he is hosting with his wife Jewell until Friday, he points out that they do not have a particular goal when it comes to the number of donations.
“As much as we can. It’s a tough time of year for people,” he said as the drive got underway at the George St. clinic Tuesday.
July and August are indeed the slowest months when it comes to donations, said Andra Stancu, Peterborough and Oshawa territory manager for Canadian Blood Services.
But the pace of donations is now picking up, particularly with the help of the Bennetts, who have motivated so many donors – from members of their staff to local business people and members of not-for-profit organizations – to roll up their sleeve.
Continuing education efforts are also helping, Stancu said. “I think people are really learning about the need for ongoing donations.”
It’s harder to find donors who can come in during the day, so officials are encouraging folks to come in on their lunch, for example. The permanent clinic has a goal of collecting 32 units of blood daily, but to accomplish that, about 50 people must come through the door.
The mayor said hosting the clinic is not unlike his day-to-day activities.
“It’s nice to offer my name and office to it,” he said, pointing out how much fun they have, particularly getting to call people they don’t see regularly. “It’s good to be able to move in and help.”
Donors can walk-in during clinic hours and can book an appointment online at www.blood.ca or by calling Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-236-6283.
The mayor’s blood drive continues at the Canadian Blood Services permanent clinic at 55 George St. N. on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.