November is Sikh Nation blood donation month
Written by Jacques Lalonde
We are asking for you to give blood
What began as a community-based blood drive in BC has blossomed into an annual campaign that draws thousands of donors to dozens of events across Canada and has spread to other major cities across the globe.
Since 1999 the Sikh Nation blood donation campaign has helped save over 165,000 lives and is the most significant contributor to the Canadian blood services pledge-based partners for life (PFL) program.
After the tragic events that led to the Genocide of thousands of Sikhs in 1984, people struggled to find the correct response. In the end, it was decided to give blood in memory of each of the people lost in the massacre. It was essentially making something good out of something so horribly evil.
We are asking for your help this year. And it could not come at a better time. Covid 19 has had a dramatic effect in reducing blood donors. Each year Canada’s lifeline needs 100,000 new donors. Yet, in 2022 Canada’s blood services has its smallest donor base in over a decade.
“Groups like Sikh Nation Blood Donation have huge value in our Partners For Life program. We need people to reach out and form teams. Small accounting firms, amateur sports leagues, choirs, and any group can join PFL. And we need you. Now.”
The message I received from Gayle was that people need to share their stories. Past donors say they haven’t donated recently because they haven’t been asked. Well, we here at HWW are asking.
Get out and donate today or during the November Campaign.
Becoming a partner for life member has a ripple effect. More people talking creates more people giving, and more people giving saves lives. I myself had a complete blood transfusion at birth, so I one hundred percent owe my life to blood donors. Without the people who gave blood in Montreal back in 1963, I would not be alive.
You can rest assured that blood donor clinics and centers are 100% safe and completely operational,” says Gayle Voyer. So if you are a first-time donor, we need you. And if you have given before, we need you back. YOU are Canada’s lifeblood.
From November 1st to November 30th, over two dozen events will be sponsored by Canadian blood services in British Columbia. With over 9000 members, the Sikh Nation blood donation team is the most significant contributor to the Canadian Blood Services pledge-based PFL program.
In 2021 Sikh Nation provided 4400 blood, plasma, and platelet donations which set a new record. Every donor makes a difference. With any luck, this year, we will set a new record with a goal of over 5000 donations. Anyone can be a part of the campaign and join the partnership. A single donation saves three lives. Join us in supporting Canada’s lifeline. Become a partner for life. Start a team. Or join one. When you give the gift of blood, you give the gift of life. Help us get behind the Sikh Nation blood donation team and make this the best year ever.
5 TIPS FOR GIVING BLOOD
1. Make sure you feel well on donation day
2. Bring a government-issued ID with you.
3. Make sure you are well hydrated. Drink a couple of liters of water before you donate
4. Have something to eat an hour before.
5. Ask any questions you may have during the donation process
5 WAYS TO GET NEW DONORS
1. Donate yourself
2. Invite some friends
3. Tell friends and family about your positive experience
4. Take a photo and share it on social media
5. Join or form a Partners For Life team
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Indigenous Leadership, Innovation, & Transformation Consulting
As an agent for change, Len leads and advises for systemic transformation in universities across North America. He specializes in developing educational programs and services with decolonization and reconciliation as their core values. He comes to us with an open heart and open mind and hopes to be received in the same way.
