Kin Blog

Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin Clubs serve the community’s greatest need. Donating blood is a nation-wide need that touches most Canadians. Giving blood, recruiting blood donors in our communities, and hosting and promoting blood drives for Canadian Blood Services (CBS) supports our 50 year partnership with Cystic Fibrosis Canada as many CF patients require blood if they receive an organ transplant. The staff at Kin have come across old pictures of Kin giving blood dating back to the 1960’s.  Blood donation and working together seems to be a cause that runs deep in our veins. We hope to help inspire more Canadians to join this vital cause.

Right now, our blood supply is critically low with only 3 day supply on hand. This is the lowest supply since 2008. To give blood, sign up today at www.blood.ca. 

Some startling facts (really!): A whopping 52% of Canadians say they or a family member have needed blood. Someone with leukemia can need up to 8 donors a week. More than 80,000 first-time blood donors are needed this year to meet hospital demand. Needing blood is a major issue that could affect any one of us for countless medical reasons- whether from a known disorder or unexpected car crash.

How some Kin Clubs are already helping CBS clinics in their community: The Stonewall Kinettes always help at their local blood donor clinic in the afternoon. Then their Kinsmen counterpart take on the evening session.

“We man the canteen handing out the drinks and making sure the tubs of cookies are full for the patrons. We stamp the donor cards with the date so that they can keep track of the number of donations they have made. We watch the donors as the have their beverages and cookies to make sure that they are feeling OK. We call, “Ice,” if someone is feeling faint or starts to bleed again. One of our members is ‘Miss Congeniality’ and thanks everyone for coming in and donating. The clinic comes to our community every second month. If we are able, we also donate while the other person tends to the duties.”

Did you know that Canadian Blood Services isn’t just blood? CBS is also taking on a key role in providing national leadership and awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. 

Every years, hundreds of individuals will die waiting for an organ transplant. It doesn’t have to be this way. According to CBS, ‘Your decision to register now could save up to 8 lives through organ donation and save or improve as many as 75 more through eye & tissue donation.’ Visit Canadian Blood Services’ website here to find out how to make your intentions to donate organs known, as it varies by province. And remember to always discuss your wishes with your family.http://www.organsandtissues.ca/s/

 “All I could do before was survive. Now I can dream.” –Jamie, heart recipient
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwQj2IJcUXI

Check out the cool GiveBlood app for your iPhone or Android! You can find clinic locations, make appointments, and track your donations in one easy place. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.blood.giveblood&hl=en

Follow the conversation:

https://www.facebook.com/CanadianBloodServices

https://twitter.com/@itsinyoutogive