HÉMA-QUÉBEC's holiday campaign : a tremendous success

Montréal, January 6, 2003 - Some 28,000 donors accepted Héma-Québec's invitation to give blood during its holiday campaign, held between December 2, 2002 and January 5, 2003. This campaign was certainly a tremendous success, as the turnout was close to 98% of the original target of 28,600 donors.

Throughout the campaign, which focused on the theme Get Wrapped up in Life, Héma-Québec organized more than 248 blood drives with various community partners throughout Quebec.

"On behalf of the recipients, Héma-Québec would like to thank everyone who came out to donate blood during this period, which is crucial for maintaining reserves," said André Roch, Assistant to the Executive Director, Public Affairs. "Their generosity throughout the holidays is greatly appreciated, as it truly constitutes the gift of life."

It should be noted that, each year, Héma-Québec welcomes over 280,000 donors at 2,500 blood drives. This show of solidarity helps meet the needs of the 112 hospitals located throughout Québec. In addition to the contribution of its 1,200 employees, Québec's official supplier of blood products can rely on the generous co-operation of more than 25,000 volunteers.

This common reserve of blood belongs to all Quebeckers. Regardless of where blood is collected, it is processed and sent to where it is needed to save a life. A single blood donation can help save up to four people.

Héma-Québec's mission is to efficiently provide adequate quantities of safe, top-quality blood components and substitutes to meet the needs of all Quebeckers; provide and develop expertise, services, along with specialized and innovative products in the fields of transfusion medecine and human tissue transplantation.