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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 6, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Factory Specials SAVE UP TO 70% OFF Take advantage of this one time opportunity to save on solid wood bedroom and dining room, custom upholstery & leather. IN STOCK NOW OLD WORLD FLAIR WITH TODAY'S FUNCTION $ 2999 $ 1799 KING SIZE Authentic reclaimed solid wood dining table & 6 genuine leather chairs $ MATCHING PIECES AVAILABLE 1899 DAVID LEA / OAKVILLE BEAVER $ 899 IN STOCK SPECIAL OUT FOR BLOOD: Registered nurse Lorraine Bruce, Renee Naiman, Regional Director of Blood Services Canada for Central Ontario, and Halton Police Staff Sgt. Peter Hodgson prepare Halton Paramedic Roy Griffin for his date with a needle during the Sirens for Life blood donor challenge. 100% Solid wood Canadian made King size bed MANY OTHERS TO CHOOSE FROM $ Sirens for Life's bloody goal By David lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 3999 2 pieces $ Genuine All Leather Sofa/Loveseat 1999 Since 1977 Heritage Furniture 4205 Fairview St. Burlington · 905-634-5298 Halton's police, fire and emergency services personnel are no strangers when it comes to saving lives, but this summer they're going above and beyond the call of duty to help more people by donating blood. The three groups are participating in the Canadian Blood Services third annual Sirens for Life blood donor challenge, which is charged with reaching 1,300 units of donated blood by Sept. 3. "It's really a partnership around saving lives, because for the Canadian Blood Services that is our mandate. By providing blood for patients and of course for police, fire and EMS, saving people's lives is part of their daily routine as well," said Renee Naiman, the Regional Director of the Canadian Blood Services for Central Ontario. "We try to have some fun with it by challenging the police, fire and EMS workers to beat each other in the number of collections they have during the summer." While the challenge between Halton's emergency personnel may be lighthearted, the reason for the challenge is serious due the nation's overall blood supply sitting at very low levels. Naiman chalks this lack of blood donation to the summer preoccupations of potential donors. "Part of the challenge is that it's been beautiful weather throughout all of June and people are just out there after a long winter saying, `You know what, this is beautiful. It's summer, we're going to go out there and have a great time,'" said Naiman. "We all agree with that, but what we want to remind people is in addition to packing up your goods and getting your kids out of school and getting ready, put a slot in your calendar to go out and just donate blood." With the Canadian Blood Services supplying blood to 58 hospitals throughout Ontario and with people pouring onto the highways to reach vacation destinations, the need for blood is only growing. "Over the summer, you get a lot of traumas and a lot of motor vehicle accidents," said Naiman. "Unfortunately that kind of stuff doesn't take a holiday." Besides injuries, blood is also needed to help patients cope with a number of diseases such as cancer. "What people don't know is that when people go through chemotherapy for cancer treatment they need blood support, and people don't realize that," said Naiman. "Cancer therapies work because they knock out basically all of your body's cell producing areas, including blood supply. So during that chemotherapy, you need the support of blood and platelets, which is a component of blood, to make sure you don't bleed and you can survive that chemotherapy." For the squeamish who fear making that first donation, Halton Regional Police Staff Sgt. Peter Hodgson, who made his 119th blood donation Tuesday, has these words of comfort. "It doesn't hurt at all," he said. "There may be a bit of a pin prick and there might be a little bit of discomfort some times, but when you consider the benefits that are gained by it, it's very, very minor." For Hodgson, the motivations for making over 100 donations are various, but many stem from things he has seen during his time as a police officer. "We see the effects of accidents and illnesses that people experience and people that benefit from the blood that we give," said Hodgson. "We've also had some pretty tragic experiences, people that have been in need of blood, members of the service, family and friends and that brings the need to give home. Personally, I've got three kids and I want to make sure there's enough blood if they ever need it." Although unsure of the number of people Halton Region Police will be able to field for the challenge Hodgson is certain they will have help with the donations. "We are also encouraging our family and friends to come out and give us a hand," he said. Primary Care Paramedic Roy Griffin, who also donated blood on Tuesday, is also hoping the support of family and friends will give Halton EMS the numbers to win the competition, however Griffin notes victory is not everything. "Everybody wins anyway," he said. "It doesn't matter if it's fire, EMS or police, the people receiving what we're about to give are what it's all about." Those thinking about donating blood can call 1888-236-2DONATE (6283) to find the nearest blood donor clinic and make an appointment. Photo identification is required and Canadian Blood Services officials recommend that potential donors eat and drink at lot before making a donation. Would-be donors are also asked to abstain from strenuous physical activity for about 24 hours before donating.