By Jacob Fehr
LAST Thursday, Canadian Blood Services held a donation clinic at Port Dover Lions Community Centre. Ninety-eight residents attended and donated 89 units of blood or plasma to help those in need. Others volunteered to help with the event.
Some of those volunteers were Sheri Kerby and John and Drenise Cowlard of Port Dover. All are proud supporters of Canadian Blood Services who volunteer at the organization’s events in town, handing out refreshments to those finished donating.
Ms. Cowlard encourages those who haven’t donated blood before to try and those who haven’t donated recently to try it again.
“There’s always a great need for it,” she said.
She emphasized that blood donations are invaluable for those who need them.
“It’s a gift of life. There’s no price tag on that.”
In her experience, while “each donor flows differently,” on average, “it only takes about an hour” to donate.
Before donating, donors are recommended to drink a 500 mL bottle of water and eat a salty snack. Water and snacks were available at the Port Dover clinic last week.
After donating, donors are asked to wait for a short period before leaving to ensure they’re in good health. Refreshments are also available afterward. Those who donated in town last week enjoyed water, juice, pop, pretzels, chips, craisins, and more.
Port Dover donors get a special treat: pizza donated by The Family Shed Pizzeria.
Ms. Cowlard thinks that “Port Dover is pretty good about donating.” In 2024, the community donated 255 units of whole blood.
She pointed out that donating is rewarding for donors.
“Anybody who donates, I think they feel really good about themselves, and so they should. One unit of blood can save up to three lives,” she said.
Canadian Blood Services is campaigning to increase the number of people giving blood for the first time every day to 450, approximately double Canada’s daily average in January. One first-time donor at last week’s event was Terry Burtt of Port Dover.
Ms. Burtt said she’s always meant to donate blood, but life often got in her way. Now that she’s retired, it’s easier to do. She also has a greater appreciation for the value of donating.
“I’ve realized that it’s important,” she said.
She had only good things to say about her first experience as a blood donor.
“Very nice, very good. No problem. [Staff are] very friendly and they keep you relaxed. No problem at all,” she said.
She expects to donate again in the future.
“Oh yeah, I’ll be back.”
Ms. Burtt was pleasantly surprised to learn there was free pizza for her after donating.
Another donor who praised the event was Tom Ollmann of Port Dover. Mr. Ollmann said his donation last week was the quickest he’s ever had.
“I’ve been giving blood all my life and this is the best place ever,” he said. “In and out in half an hour, great staff.”
He explained he was in an accident many years ago that left him needing blood. Since he benefitted from others’ donations, he gives back by donating for the sake of others.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” he said.
He estimated he’s donated 80 or 90 times and said his father donated 100 times. When asked if he’d donate again soon, he answered, “I’ve got it booked already.”
To him, it’s “the best feeling in the world.”
Canadian Blood Services hosts donation clinics in Port Dover approximately every three months and nearly monthly in Simcoe. The next clinic in Port Dover is scheduled for Thursday, May 29. Clinics typically run from 2 to 7 p.m.
Donors must schedule an appointment, which can be done in person at clinics, via the organization’s website, blood.ca, or by calling 1-888-236-6283.
The organization seeks donations of all kinds of blood, but right now, it particularly needs A-, B-, O+, and O- blood donations. O- blood is especially valuable because it can help anyone needing blood regardless of their blood type. In emergencies, healthcare providers can always rely on O- blood.
Ms. Cowlard said she’s thankful to all who give blood. “You can’t put a price on it, it’s so valuable, it’s unbelievable. I’m so grateful to everyone who donates for taking the time. I can’t thank them enough.”
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Originally published March 12, 2025
