Saving lives is no difficult task - about an hour of time is all it takes to donate blood that can rescue up to three people from succumbing to illness or injury.
Now, the Canadian Blood Services is making it one step easier by cruising the Bloodmobile into Richmond for a clinic on Aug. 23.
"Giving blood is the ultimate altruistic act, and can literally save lives," said Nancy Bryan, community development coordinator for Canadian Blood Services.
The Bloodmobile is a blood donation clinic on wheels that will be parked at the Richmond Public Library and Cultural Centre from 10 a.m. to 4: 15 p.m. on Tuesday.
"The Bloodmobile is still relatively new in our community and we hope to expose more blood donors to this type of blood donation clinic," said Bryan.
According to Canadian Blood Services, another person in Canada needs blood approximately every minute. The onus, then, is on those in good health to provide blood donations that allow those needs to be met. However, though one in two Canadians are reportedly eligible to donate, only one in 60 actually have.
Donors must meet the following eligibility requirements: a minimum age of 17 years old, a minimum weight of 110 lbs., in good health and feeling well on donation day, and able to produce ID. Blood can be donated once every two months.
On the day of blood donations, donors should not eat for at least two hours before their appointment.
Participants are asked to register in advance by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1888-236-6283).
