Windsor refugees line up to donate blood
Samir Badar donates blood at Canadian Blood Services on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. He was one of 50 people who donated. (Photo by Reem Kodmany)
By Reem Kodmany
More than 50 refugees and newcomers to Windsor donated blood last Monday in what is being called a “phenomenal” act of generosity.
“Canada helped me a lot so I try to give as much as possible to support anyone,” said donor Lina Almhagareish, who arrived in Canada after five years of torment in Jordan. “I’m looking forward for my kids’ future.”
Samir Badar also donated blood at the “Give Back” clinic organized by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County. He hopes his blood will save someone’s life in the country that welcomed his family. He fled Iraq with his four children and endured five years of strife in Syria before arriving in Canada in 2011.
Lina Almhagareish applies pressure to her arm after donating blood at the Canadian Blood Service on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. (Photo by Reem Kodmany)
Canadian Blood Services in Windsor needs to collect about 290 ounces per week from about 300 people in order to meet demand. This blood is used within five days, not just in Windsor but across the country.
“We want to be able to give them an opportunity to give back and this is a beautiful way to do that,” said Marisa Gatfield, territory manager for Windsor and Essex County.
Nahi Hatoom of the MCC praised newcomers for giving back to the country that took them in and provided refuge.
“It is good and healthy for the community to help others,” said Hatoom.
Get Social!
