Conor Boyd has a big heart that seems to pump an inexhaustible supply of blood.

Boyd gave his 100th donation of blood at the Oakville Place Mall Blood Donor Clinic last Friday, sacrificing part of his wedding anniversary to do so.

The long-time employee of the Oakville Place Tip Top Tailors proudly displayed his jacket covered in an array of blood donor pins, some from across the pond from his native Northern Ireland.

Boyd has been giving blood since 1966 and donates every 56 days, the minimum time allowed between donations.

He says he’ll continue to do so for as long as he can.

“It feels good - what can I say? I started a long time ago and just got in the habit of it.
“I’m good until 71 as long as I stay healthy, and that’s another 15 years,” said Boyd. “It’s nice to know that I am still healthy enough to do it.”

Every 60 seconds, someone in Canada needs blood and Boyd’s contributions over the years to Canadian Blood Services could have potentially saved hundreds of lives.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment. Every unit of blood donated by Conor translates into a positive impact on at least three peoples lives,” said Kim LaRonde, Director of Marketing at Oakville Place.

Boyd believes everyone who can give blood should and that every year someone who is healthy doesn’t give blood is a year wasted.

“Do it, it’s half an hour, 45 minutes out of your life. There are so many people in need of blood and so few people actually give it. Less than 4 per cent of the population actually donates blood. Those who are healthy enough have no excuse not to.”

Giving blood is a rewarding activity, but a few preparations are required.

“Make sure that you eat a solid meal. Never, ever show up hungry to donate. That is the number one mistake people make,” said Karolina Remplakowski, Community Development Coordinator for Canadian Blood Services. “Also, drink lots of water and juice.”

Remplakowski stressed that before you make an appointment at a blood donor clinic, you should call 1-888-2DONATE first to make sure you are eligible to give and always remember to bring your photo I.D.

Boyd dedicated his 100th donation to the Knights of Columbus where he has been a member for eight years.

For more information of donating blood visit www.bloodservices.ca or call 1-888-2DONATE or for information on how to set up a Mobile Blood Clinic, call Karolina Remplakowski at 416-432-2799.

SPECIAL LABOUR DAY MONDAY CLINIC!  Your blood is urgently needed this long weekend.  Please call 1-888-2-DONATE to make an appointment:

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1
CLEARVIEW CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
2300 Sheridan Garden Drive
Oakville, ON, L6J 7R2
12 - 4pm
Gymnasium