Ambassador, Embassy Staff Donate Blood

Today in Ottawa, Ambassador Bruce Heyman and a group of U.S. Embassy Ottawa staff visited the Shaw Centre to take part in a blood drive organized by Canadian Blood Services.

“I’m very proud to join with my Embassy colleagues today in contributing to an organization that is literally part of the lifeblood of Canada,” said Ambassador Heyman, before rolling up his sleeve. “Canadian Blood Services always require donations, so I’m happy we could answer that call.”

Ambassador Heyman’s comments were echoed by Pamela Mullins, Canadian Blood Services Director of Donor Relations for Manitoba, Northeastern Ontario and Nunavut.

“Each year approximately 85,000 new donors are needed to meet patient need in Canada,” said Ms. Mullins. “Just like our population is aging so are Canada’s blood donors. Which means more donors are needed now to ensure patients fighting cancer, have been in a car crash or need heart surgery will have the blood they need when they need it.”

The Shaw Centre blood drive was organized by Canadian Blood Services. For more information on donating blood, including booking appointments, please visit blood.ca, or follow them on Twitter at @itsinyoutogive.