Canadian Blood Services Speaks at Rotary Meeting

Mr. Gordon Skiffington, Community Development Coordinator, Canadian Blood Services was guest speaker at the Gander Rotary Club meeting, Tuesday Jan 21 2014.  Canadian Blood Services  is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the blood supply in all provinces and territories, expect Quebec.

Mr. Gordon Skiffington gave a very informative presentation on the work of this organization. This service is vital to our very existence; approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada requires blood. According to a recent poll, 52% of Canadians say they or a family member have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment. Only 4% of Canadians donate nationally, however Newfoundlanders donate at a slightly higher rate of 5%. 20,000 units of blood are collected in Gander every year. Today, the Canadian Blood Services partners with many organizations, who donate as a Team.

For those of us eligible to donate, this provides considerable food for thought.