The Conestoga community responded with 72 units donated. By 2:00 pm, the response was so overwhelming that organizers were forced to turn away walk-in donors, taking only those who had scheduled appointments online before the clinic.
Lisa Ruck, community development coordinator for Canadian Blood Services, said that the clinic at Conestoga is important for meeting the needs of the local community.
“Conestoga prides itself in being a community and in having students who work and live in the community,” said Ruck, “and now they are helping to save the lives of people in the community.”
Student Life programmer Ryan Connell echoed Ruck’s sentiments: “We have such a compassionate and caring community at Conestoga, and it’s shown in the number of students and employees who stepped up to donate and help save lives.”
Ruck said that every unit of blood donated at Conestoga has the potential to help up to 3 patients. The blood is used in a variety of different ways, including for patients receiving cancer treatments.
“Patients going through chemotherapy often require blood transfusions as part of their treatment,” Ruck continued. “These donations will potentially benefit someone at Grand River Hospital.”
For those who were unable to donate at the on-campus clinic, or who wish to become regular blood donors, the permanent clinic in Waterloo is open Monday through Saturday. Potential donors can visit www.blood.ca for more information or to book an appointment.