It all started with the birth of his nephew on a chilly December day back in 1984.
Dave Doroghy, riding the high of meeting the newborn for the first time at the hospital, was on his way back home when he noticed a blood donation clinic in the distance.
He decided that he, too, could give the gift of life – albeit in a different way – and marched his way in to donate blood for the first time ever.
Since then, he’s donated 95 times.
“It was always my goal to hit 100,” says Doroghy, adding that he will, of course, continue to donate even after he hits that target.
Being able to give back and, simply, because it’s the right thing to do, are some of the reasons that Doroghy has continued to donate blood for more than 35 years.
“I’m just celebrating my good health and … during COVID, everything was so weird, and it was nice to have that routine … that touchstone into my normal life,” he says.
The Ladner author originally posted his story on Facebook as part of a campaign by Canadian Blood Services encouraging blood donors to share reasons why they give.
He plans to post other stories, recounting previous instances or inspirations of why he gives blood until he hits 100 donations, which if all things go to plan, will be next spring.
“I just thought that I would do something positive that might inspire some people to give blood,” he says.
He encourages others to give blood if they’re able to, and jokes that the snacks and juice you get at the end will make the poke of a little needle worth it.
If you’re interested in donating blood, check out Canadian Blood Service’s website.
