Royal Purple Pumps Up Lifesaving Cause

Royal Purple Pumps Up Lifesaving Cause

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

`Your Cause Is Our Cause`

That`s the official tag line of the Canadian Royal Purple and is exemplified at the local level through members of the 125th chapter in Vegreville who support a number of charitable organizations.

The most recent cause was at the blood donor clinic on Tuesday, January 7 at the Vegreville Social Centre where members gave donors a warm welcome, glasses of water, offered assistance at various stages of the process and served snacks afterwards.

One of the snacks the organization pays for and provides is freshly baked raisin bread. Not only do donors love the special treat, nutritionally raisins are an excellent source of iron that is essential for the formation of new blood.

Surveying the clinic it appeared as if the ladies volunteer duties were second nature for them, and one member said they have been volunteering at the blood donor clinic for the past 58 years. Several of the members said that volunteering at the blood donor clinic is a nice way to spend an afternoon, and they really enjoy chatting with the donors, many of whom contribute on a regular basis.

“It’s such a worthy cause,” said member Janet Kobylnyk, who admitted she didn`t fully realize how important it was to donate blood until her Mom needed it. “It really opened my eyes.”

Blood donor Barbara Tschetter was happy to report that it was the 29th time she has given blood. Tschetter said she was thinking especially of her niece who was to undergo a kidney transplant the following day. “I feel people need it. It’s just like donating an organ. That’s how I feel about it.”

Tschetter, who resides in the Vegreville Colony, is not alone in her thoughts and action as many other residents there donate blood on a regular basis. “About 15 of us came today.” She also said the same holds true for the residents of Hairy Hill, Two Hills and Viking colonies who make it a priority to attend the blood clinic which is held in Vegreville eight times a year.

“One donation saves five lives,” noted Tschetter, who appreciates the fact the clinic is located not too far away from home. Tschetter said she has O negative blood, and receives a lot of phone calls from Canadian Blood Services to donate.

Local resident Dennis Trachuk donated blood at the Jan. 7 clinic in Vegreville.

Vegreville area cattle rancher Dennis Trachuk said it was the first time in 40 years that he has donated blood. “It just never seemed to work out.” Trachuk said he usually can’t make it or doesn’t hear or see anything about the blood clinics ahead of time; but he took particular notice of the half page ad in the January 1 edition of the News Advertiser and decided to donate.

Sharon Willey, Territory Manager of Donor Relations for Canadian Blood Services, was happy to report the blood donor clinic exceeded its target of 96 units of blood, having received 98 units of blood that day. “We are really appreciative of all the support we get from the Vegreville community.”

Willey said Canadian Blood Services is also appreciative of the Canadian Royal Purple. “We are so grateful they continue volunteering their time at these clinics.”

“I think it’s amazing to see returning donors, but more importantly, to see returning donors bringing in new donors. We’re actually looking for 112,000 new donors over the next year… It’s a pretty substantial number. Less than four per cent of eligible donors sustain the blood system for all Canadians, so new donors are critical to meeting Canada’s future blood needs which is one of the reasons why we are so grateful for Vegreville and surrounding communities that support Canada’s lifeline and give patients hope.”

Willey said people can start donating blood at 17 years of age, and there is no limit as to how old you can be to donate. “As long as they are healthy, hydrated, and feel good, they can donate.” She does recommend seniors get consent from their family doctor before donating blood.

As far as the younger generation is concerned, Willey said a lot of teenagers don’t realize they can donate, and that’s one of the reasons the organization has an outreach program through various high schools.

In the Alberta North Territory of Canadian Blood Services there are 25 communities the organization serves, one of which includes Vegreville.

The next blood donor clinic will be held in Vegreville on March 31, and Willey encourages residents to make an appointment ahead of time.