Canadian Blood Services is constantly looking to replenish its supply of blood that many people will need at one time or another.
In order to help out, a student at Delta Secondary is organizing a blood-donation clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Grade 12 student Teaghan Papadopoulos is organizing the event to highlight the importance of donating blood and how it saves lives.
The blood drive will take place in the west gym from 1 to 7:45 p.m. and is open to the public.
However, in order to give blood, donors must register and book their appointment online and complete screening questions.
Papadopoulos organized the event as part of her Capstone Project, in memory of her late grandfather who, in 2020, was in hospital and required daily blood transfusions. This is when Papadopoulos realized the importance of blood donation.
“For my Capstone, I wanted to do something that helps the community out. I know the need for blood is high and have seen firsthand how important it is for people to donate blood,” said Papadopoulos. “I thought arranging a clinic at the school would be a great way to raise awareness of the need to give blood and make it convenient for people in Ladner to donate.”
Craig Nielsen, with Canadian Blood Services, said that mobile blood donor clinics are not usually set up in schools because of scheduling.
“However, after hearing Teaghan’s inspiring story, we felt we should make it happen. “This is a great opportunity to inspire and educate young people to get involved in blood donation. Blood donor clinics are an essential part of our communities. Today’s students are the future of Canada’s Lifeline,” said Nielsen.
The aim is to have 81 successful blood donations. Each blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives, he added.
Following the clinic, as part of her Capstone project, Papadopoulos will prepare a slide show explaining what inspired her to organize a blood drive and how the event went. Following graduation, she plans to study health care at UBC Okanagan.
The blood clinic is open to community members aged 17 years and older. People interested in donating are asked to visit www.blood.ca and search for the clinics in Delta.
-with files from Cathryn Tucker/Delta School District
