Blood Donor Clinic and Challenge

     Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. Much of this blood is needed for emergency or trauma situations. Or it may be needed during surgery, or for cancer treatments, burn therapy, haemophilia, and other blood-related diseases. Each year hundreds of thousands of people receive blood components or blood products. The source of this blood and blood components are blood donor clinics coordinated by the Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

  This month, on December 14^th and December 28^th, the Bracebridge Rotary Club, along with the Canadian Blood Services, is having a blood donor clinic at the Bracebridge Centennial Centre.

  To encourage maximum participation The Bracebridge Rotary Club has organized a Challenge between the local banks in Bracebridge and the local fitness clubs, to see which bank can donate the most blood, and which fitness club can do the same.

  This goes along with the national campaign launched by CBS to ensure a sufficient blood supply over the holidays. Taking place from November 13 to December 31, the theme of the campaign is "Sometimes the best gifts come in small packages".

"During this busy and festive holiday season, Canadian Blood Services asks that you roll up your sleeves to make a blood donation," said Dr. Graham Sher, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Blood Services. "The need for blood continues and as little as one hour of your time can help save a life."

The holiday season is a challenging time for Canada's blood system. Increased travel on icy roads, combined with traumas associated with winter activities, keeps the demand for blood up at this time of year.

Only about three per cent of eligible Canadians give blood, yet every day in every community someone needs blood or blood products.

  There are many reasons why people should donate blood. You get free cookies and juice, you’ll be giving something back to your community, giving blood will make you feel good about yourself, and someday, you may need blood.

  Blood is comprised of several components. These components may be transfused separately or together to treat various conditions. Each donation of whole blood is separated into four main components

  RED BLOOD CELLS carry oxygen to tissues and are responsible for removal of carbon dioxide through the lungs.

  WHITE BLOOD CELLS protect the body from infection; however, they often carry viruses and bacteria. This is why these cells are removed using a process called leukoreduction, to protect recipients from side effects.

  PLATELETS provide the basis for clotting that helps control bleeding.

  PLASMA is a liquid containing many of the body’s proteins, which helps fight infection and promote clotting. Plasma distributes nutrients to tissues and transports waste products to the kidneys, which then expel them.

  For more information call 1-888-2 DONATE or visit the CBS website at www.bloodservices.ca.