NICKEL BELT- GREATER SUDBURY - Patients in Canada and across Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury continue to rely on specialized medicines made from donated plasma to survive and the pandemic has not lessened this need. In partnership with local seniors, Canadian Blood Services’ plasma donor centre in Sudbury held its Seniors Saves Lives event today, June 25^th 2021. The event was held in partnership with Goshenite Transition and Relocation Services.

Prior to the event local seniors’ groups and stakeholders were briefed about the importance of plasma donation and how they could make a positive difference in their community. This was also a unique opportunity for seniors to come together safely, get back out into the community and learn about some new initiatives geared towards their needs and lifestyles.

MP for Nickelt Belt Marc G. Serré, a strong seniors issues advocate, helped promote the event within his networks. “Seniors have so much to give back to our community. Working closely with seniors groups since 2015, I see just how much aging populations contribute to the wellbeing of society and they continue to rise up to the challenge when a cause needs their help. The pandemic has been hard for our most vulnerable, and despite this, the sense of community spirit and generosity is stronger than ever.”

MP Serré’s Motion M-106 passed in the House of Commons and helped develop Canada’s first National Seniors Strategy. This paved the way for the creation of Canada’s first ministry dedicated to seniors. It also helped to advance increases in financial support for seniors living in poverty and a National focus on housing for the elderly. By working closely with local seniors’ groups and hearing directly from Nickel Belt –Greater Sudbury seniors he continues to advocate for more support to ensure local communities are age friendly and promote the physical, emotional and financial wellbeing of aging populations.

Teri-Mai, Manager - Business Development with Canadian Blood Services was thrilled by the turn out. "We are grateful for the support of MP Marc G. Serré and the Goshenite Senior Services for the Senior Saves Lives event at the plasma donor centre today. With their generosity and those within the community, we are hopeful that we’ve reached our goal of 101 plasma appointments.

Also in attendance today was Greater Sudbury’s Mayor Brian Bigger. “As the need for plasma donation in Canada grows, I’m happy to roll up my sleeve and lend an arm to help someone in need,” said Bigger. “The Seniors Save Lives donation event is a great reminder that it’s not just young people who can donate – any healthy person who meets the criteria can take part and give someone else the chance to live a longer, healthier life.”

Event like Seniors Saves Lives are part of the ongoing effort to build local awareness about plasma donation and the importance it plays for recipients. Those wanting to organize their own event are asked to contact Teri-Mai directly and discuss opportunities. Any healthy person who meets the eligibility criteria can donate plasma as frequently as every two weeks. To become a plasma donor, you must simply go to blood.ca/plasma or call 1-888-236-6283 to book your life-saving appointment.

For more information or to set up an interview, Teri-Mai can be reached by phone at (705) 677-4845 or find out more on plasma donation by visiting: https://www.blood.ca/en/plasma/donating-plasma/where-donate-plasma/sudbury-plasma-donor-centre