A local resident who knows about the need for blood all too well, has initiated an annual Good Friday blood drive called ‘Blood for Brock’.
myFM spoke with Debbi Barfoot, local Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services, who told us more.
Brock Powell was born with von Willebrand disease, Type 2, which is a bleeding disorder. A near-constant series of health issues had Brock in and out of the hospital regularly and requiring blood transfusions for procedures that would otherwise be routine for most patients.
In five year this event has been running, they have reached more than 200 blood donations.
This years event will be taking place Friday April 15th from 10am until 4pm at the Canadian Blood Services, Kingston donor centre, located at 850 Gardiner’s Road. Normally the centre is not open Friday’s, but Barfoot says there is always a need for blood during long weekends.
There are spots still available which can be booked online at blood.ca.
Barfoot says like other organizations all across Canada, the latest COVID-19 wave is challenging Canadian Blood Services like never before. She says recent illness and isolation requirements, coupled with the lifting of restrictions, have affected donor attendance and has caused an increase number of cancellations.
Written by Emily Chatwood
