It’s time to roll up your sleeves in the Port Moody fire hall for the third annual blood drive, hopefully with a friend, family member or co-worker.
That’s because the success of the first two has prompted Canadian Blood Services to add a bed and increase the target, from 76 units to 101.
“Everyone really likes to come to the fire hall to donate blood so they wanted to increase the clinic,” said organizer Natalie Hayton, the PoMo fire department’s administrator. “We have met that goal even previously, so we have a pretty good chance of meeting it again.”
In 2015, 119 people donated 89 units (117% of the 76-unit target) and, last year, 123 people donated 94 units (124% of the target).
Along with the new goal will be a new blood drive date on April 20. The previous events have been held in May, which happened to coincide with summer-like temperatures.
Hayton is hoping to see lots of new donors attend the blood drive and is encouraging everyone to book an appointment with a friend, co-worker or family member.
“Two is better than one — bring a friend and save twice the lives,” she said.
Fire Chief Ron Coulson, who recently took over the helm from Remo Faedo, said he was a regular donor in the past and will offering up his arm at the April blood drive, along with as many staff members as he can muster.
“We will provide as many fresh bodies as we can to the cause… to give the gift of life,” Coulson said.
• The blood drive is on Thursday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book an appointment at www.blood.ca or 1-888-2DONATE.
