When Leslie Benisz turns 46 next week, he only wants one thing for his birthday: blood donations.
The painter, volunteer and writer is inviting the public to give blood Aug. 16 (two days after Benisz’s birthday) at the Canadian Blood Services Society Oak Street Clinic from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Benisz realized the importance of blood donations two years back, when someone he knew almost lost his life but survived because there was enough blood available at the blood bank.
Benisz says he has always felt the need to volunteer and contribute to society in different ways. Benisz volunteers as a dishwasher at Carnegie Community Centre, at events for the B.C. Lions and as an autistic spokesperson for the Els For Autism charity golf tournament.
In addition to volunteering, he donates his paintings and likes to write opinion pieces for newspapers. He donates his paintings to Vancouver Ventures for Diversity Society and the Valerie, Ruth and Pamela Dudoward Foundation.
But donating blood was something new and the act of helping others adds value to his life, he says. “Everyone has the ability and talent to contribute to society in a positive way,” he said.
In the past two years, Benisz, who is type AB negative, considered the rarest blood type, has donated blood more than 13 times and continues to do so every 56 days.
Cherise Louie, territory manager at Canadian Blood Services in Vancouver, said the need for blood donation is urgent and it is important for Canadians to step up and easily make an impact on another person’s life.
“There are people who depend on weekly blood transfusions,” said Louie, adding that every week there is a need for 17,000 units of blood across Canada.
“All donors are encouraged to donate, in particular donors with type O blood. Type O negative blood type is in particular demand by hospitals because it is the only type compatible with all other blood types. It’s also used in the most critical situations, like trauma victims and patients with compromised immune systems,” Louie said, adding that only four per cent of Canadians donate blood, which is not enough.
Benisz agrees. “You don’t need a policeman or a firefighter to save lives. You can save lives even if you donate blood,” Benisz said.
Benisz’s blood donation bash will be followed by cake cutting and there will be emergency vehicles available for children to explore and learn more about blood donations.
To donate blood, call 133 or go to blood.ca to make a booking.
