Canadian Blood Services Donation & Dinner

*** BEFORE your RSVP, please first confirm your eligibility to donate blood at this time by taking Canadian Blood Services' Eligibility Quiz. (When finished, DO NOT book an appointment as I will book our group appointment).

***

Did you know that only about 3% of eligible people donate blood annually? Here's your chance to be someone's secret HERO! Let's "pay it forward" and spend some time as an AWESOME Meetup group donating our much needed blood to the Canadian Blood Services. Once we complete our required 15 minute post-donation rest with a cookie & soda, those interested may then walk the 1.5 blocks down to Bottlescrew Bill's Pub for a casual dinner, *NON-alcoholic beverages, and more socializing (and bragging to the staff about being the amazing DO-GOODERS that we truly are). ;-)

Key Reasons to Donate Blood:

• Saves Lives: A single donation can save up to 3 lives by helping those with cancer, blood disorders, or undergoing traumatic surgeries.
• Constant Demand: Because blood components like platelets have a short shelf life (5-7 days) and cannot be manufactured, there is a constant and critical need for donors.
• Health Benefits for Donors: Regular donations can help maintain healthy iron levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and decrease blood viscosity.
• Free Mini-Health Check: Before donating, you receive a free check-up of pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels.
• Supports the Community: Your donation ensures your local hospitals have a safe, ready supply for emergencies.
• Psychological Well-being: The altruistic act of helping others is known to improve mental health and provide a sense of purpose.

*You should avoid drinking alcohol within 24 hours after donating blood to help reduce the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting (which I learned the hard way after once donating blood on my birthday... :-o)

*** Please RSVP before April 1st

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 15
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (later if you join us for dinner afterward)

WHERE:
Canadian Blood Services
Penn West Plaza (East Tower)
#100, 207 - 9 Avenue S.W.
888-236-6283

Bottlescrew Bill's Pub
140 - 10 Avenue S.W.

TICKETS / BILLING:
N/A

PARKING: ***
Complimentary parking for 1.5 hours is available for blood donors at the Calgary Tower parkade, just a 5-minute walk from the donor centre.
There are entrances to the parkade on both 9th & 10th Avenue.
Designated donor parking is on the west side on Level 6, near the elevator, so be sure to park in those stalls ONLY.

If you join us for dinner afterward, you'll then need to head back there to pay for your parking OR move your car to find nearby street parking that's free after 6:00p

SOME CONSIDERATIONS:
- As the event date approaches and you find out later you can no longer attend, if you are either on the Attending List or the Wait List, please revisit this Meetup page and change your RSVP to Not Attending.
- "No Shows" (those that sign up but then don't show up) will be noted. Please respect other members who are on the Wait List that want to attend.
- If you are running late or otherwise need to contact the event organizer, please post a message in the Comments below.
- If you are feeling ill, please do not attempt to participate. Stay home and get better.
- Be respectful to others and observe personal boundaries. This includes the venue staff.
- If there are any concerns with another member's behaviour, let the event organizer know so this can be dealt with immediately.

LEGAL PART:
The organizer and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during, and at any time after this event. By RSVPing "Yes", for this event, you acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely responsible for your health, safety, and well-being before, during, and at any time after the event as stated previously. All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event.