When firefighters respond to a call for assistance, they’re all business. So it can be especially gratifying when someone they’ve helped reconnects by giving back to causes those firefighters support.
Especially when that gift is their own blood.
Port Moody fire chief Ron Coulson said it’s not unusual for some participants in his department’s annual blood donor clinic, which will be held on May 2, to mention some sort of past encounter with firefighters during an emergency or difficult situation as their motivation to help out. He said those reconnections are also gratifying for the firefighters.
“We’re thrilled when we get an opportunity to meet someone who we’ve been able to help,” Coulson said, adding the department attended 1,400 calls last year.
This year’s clinic aims to collect 81 units of blood, but only 30% of the spots available for donors have been subscribed, so the push is on for more donors to sign up.
Coulson said the firefighters take great pride in putting on an event that’s as much about community as saving lives.
“Our firefighters are well-connected to the community, so our community responds,” he said, adding most of the department’s off-duty members get involved with the clinic in some way.
After all, they also have a stake in a successful outcome.
“Through our line of work, we see the need for giving blood,” Coulson said.
• To register for the Port Moody firefighters’ blood donor clinic, go to www.blood.ca, or call 1-888-2DONATE and reference the May 2 clinic at the Inlet Centre fire hall, 150 Newport Dr.
