A Williams Lake student named Nathan Daye is on a mission to establish a blood donor centre for his community in the Cariboo.
Nathan is currently pursuing a Capstone Graduation project on Canada’s lifeline, Canadian Blood Services. Since February, Nathan, along with his mentor, Bhavna Pooni, has been raising awareness about blood donation and the need for a donor centre in the Cariboo.
Williams Lake residents have to travel to Kamloops to donate blood, but Nathan is still finding ways to make a difference. He plans to host a small event and fundraiser this April and will also take part in a stem cell drive to encourage others to join the registry.
They have received some help along the way from Mike Penninga, Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services in Kelowna. Penninga shared that it is impressive when young people are passionate about accomplishing good in their communities. Nathan recently visited Kelowna to donate blood for the very first time.
Canada needs many more donors, and initiatives like this from a young donor like Nathan show others that they can help too, even if there is not a donation centre in their community. Both Daye and Pooni have also received strong support for their efforts from Lorne Doerkson and the community.
