National Volunteer Week: our thanks to blood donation volunteers

Montréal, April 11, 2011 – Héma-Québec would like to make the most of National Volunteer Week, this week, to highlight the precious contribution of all those who support the cause of blood donation and help save lives.

The contribution of the entire Québec community lies at the very heart of Héma-Québec's mission. As a result, more than 16,000 volunteers organize more than 3,000 blood drives every year and make an average of 1.2 million calls to blood donors. Every year, more than 160,000 blood donors answer the call and give the gift of life.

This year’s campaign is focussed on the words Thank you, a theme that is perfect for recognizing the contribution of the volunteers and blood donors who ensure that more than 80,000 patients receive the blood products they need for their health every year.

"Thank you. We specifically want to thank the volunteers who have taken the great cause of blood donation to heart. Without their valuable help and their undeniable sense of sharing, Héma-Québec could not fulfil its mission. These essential partners must know how much their involvement is appreciated and valued," said Dr. Jean De Serres, President and CEO of Héma-Québec.

To thank them, two special evenings will be dedicated to our volunteers. These events will take place on April 18 in Montréal and April 20 in Québec City. Next fall, Héma-Québec will visit about a dozen cities during the traditional regional meetings to honor the volunteers who work in other regions in Québec.

Héma-Québec is constantly looking for volunteers who are interested in getting involved in the cause of giving life. To learn more, consult the Get involved section on Héma-Québec's Web site or call 514-832-5000, extension 162, or 418-780-4362, extension 2245.

About Héma-Québec

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

Give blood. Give life.

-30-

Information:

Héma-Québec
Media line | 514-832-0871