My first donation was when I was 18 in high school. After that, I missed more than a few years but started going regularly when I was in my mid 30's. Now, I'm there every 57 days, barring illness. I bought some tie-dye t-shirts a few years ago and started wearing them when I donate. Soon, the staff recognized me just by the shirts and they would kid me if I didn't wear one of them. So now they are my go to donate blood uniform, just so I can make their day.
A couple of months back, I noticed a lot of extra people milling around at the clinic. Suits, in other words. I found out from the nurses that these suits were head office management, here to check things out. One of the suits, a nice lady, stopped by my donation chair to thank me for coming and commented on my choice of shirt. Turns out, I had been mentioned in the morning meeting as a regular donor. Looks like my tie-dye is now famous, not just in Nanaimo but much further east! Glad I could make everyone's day and look forward to many more. I was surprised this week, to get my 100 donations certificate so I had to get a picture of me holding it to share and it only seemed appropriate to do so wearing the tie-dye. Giving blood is such an easy, simple way to help others, so I will continue for as long as I can. My parents used to donate when I was a kid and now my daughter carries on the tradition.
