The Dawoodi Bohra community of Calgary organised a Blood Donation Drive in partnership with Canadian Blood Services on Victoria Day – a day of the year when, historically, a higher-than-normal level of traffic accidents increases the demand for blood. The Bohras’ blood donation drive attracted a great number of volunteers from the community, many of whom were first time donors. They were delighted to be joined by the Calgary Police Service who, like the Dawoodi Bohras, endeavour to serve the society in which they live and work.
Constable Williams of Calgary Police said, “It was an honour to be invited to the Bohra’s blood donation drive and show support for this great community initiative.”
Canadian Blood Services is Canada’s blood registry and bank that maintains an inventory of all blood products including stem cells. However, it has been reported that there has recently been a 25% decline in the inventory, making it very important for donors both new and old to sign up. The need for blood can arise anytime, anywhere. Emergencies happen, accidents take place, surgeries occur daily, and all these instances may require blood or blood products. Canada is a multicultural country, and it is crucial that the country’s blood inventory reflects its population. Such blood drives are therefore important to increase both the volume and diversity of donations. CTV Calgary’s news coverage of the event highlighted the need for diverse blood donors to come forward.
Jhoanna Del Rosario, Territory Manager at Canadian Blood Services added, “Thank you Dawoodi Bohras for donating blood in Calgary on Victoria Day. It was great to welcome many first-time donors. Canadian Blood Services needs more amazing diverse communities like the Dawoodi Bohras to encourage their members to join Canada’s lifeline. Only one in 81 donate while one in two are eligible to give. We are so grateful for this partnership and for your generosity and commitment to make a difference for patients and their families.”
Dawoodi Bohras around the world have organised blood donation drives. For the Bohra community of Calgary, who mainly hail from the Indian subcontinent, this event was the first of many they intend to hold to give back as part of the global Project Rise initiative to enhance the situations of vulnerable members of society.