The good in giving
Truro Police and RCMP join forces to donate blood
Gavin Naime was always happy to donate blood, but he really came to appreciate other donors when he found himself in need of transfusions.
In 2006, the RCMP constable suffered an injury that resulted in internal bleeding. He required five blood transfusions before he was released from hospital.
“I gave blood, never thinking I would need it,” he said. “I grew up watching my dad give blood in Barbados. He felt it was important and that rubbed off on me.
“There are a lot of places looking for donations this time of year, but I thought, instead of spending money, why not give a gift whose value can’t be measured. You’re giving life in some cases.”
He enjoyed the camaraderie of donating blood with colleagues and thought it would be nice to have a large group of first responders donate blood. He got in touch with Truro Police Service and received an enthusiastic response.
“I think it’s a great idea to give blood,” said Deputy-chief Jim Fleming, who is a longtime blood donor. “We see accidents and we see the need for it. It’s easy to give and it doesn’t cost anything.”
He usually attends with other officers and retired co-workers.
“It’s a chance to see people and catch up, and it’s great to know you’re helping somebody,” he said.
Deanna Jones, communications specialist with Canadian Blood Services, said the holiday season tends to be a slower time for blood donations. There are currently more than 1,300 appointments they hope to fill by Jan. 6.
Those unable to attend the clinic in December have another opportunity to give blood Jan. 1012. For details, and to book an appointment, visit blood.ca