Fine weather boosts turnout for mayor's blood donor clinic

Held at Victoria Hall last Friday afternoon and evening, the clinic was run by Héma-Québec, the provincial blood-gathering agency. Among the donors were Mayor Karin Marks and Westmount-St. Louis MNA Jacques Chagnon.

"There's no hockey game, and it's a sunny day, so I think it has helped," said Virginia Elliott, assistant community events coordinator at Victoria Hall.

According to Elliott, the clinic's organizers were able to maintain the average level of donations, which is about 100 units, in spite of the fact that donors face so many travel restrictions, not only to England, but also to many southern destinations, where Westmounters often spend their winter holidays.

"The regular donors often come and find out they can't give because they've gone to the Dominican Republic for a week," she said. "In spite of that, we're maintaining our population of donors, although we'd like to increase it, of course."

Members of the Girl Guides were on hand to help with the event. They served refreshments and escorted donors after they had just signed in.

"We like to help out when we can," said Dawn Coffey, a leader with the 66th Montreal Guides. "It's important to get them interested in community service. They have fun doing it."

Mike Deegan, director of Westmount's Sports and Recreation Department, was on hand with Claude Danis, the department's community services coordinator, to make a donation. "Claude and I come over from Sports and Rec because we feel it's important," he said.

"I started donating blood when I was back in CEGEP," said Danis, who has donated blood 15 times. "I've been trying to give ever since. There was a period of time when my iron was a bit low, but now it's back. No problem."

Denis Roy, a Westmount Hydro staff member, made a special effort to recruit other Westmount Hydro workers to join him in making a blood donation. "Certainly as far as the employees go, we've had a wonderful turnout," added Elliott.

"We've doubled the number of employees who've come in. That's really made a difference." Héma-Québec no longer supplies donuts among its refreshments, preferring healthier foods to fortify donors after they've given blood.

As such, staff at Victoria Hall decided to purchase some for donors who were employees. "To me, when you give blood you should get a donut. That's your reward," said Elliott.