Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Years of championing giving blood leads to recognition for Country 95 and B-93

Sep 13, 2017 | 12:53 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Today’s Country 95.5 and B-93, on behalf of the Jim Pattinson Broadcast Group, were recently acknowledged for the work they’ve done locally in support of Canadian Blood Services.

Morning man Brent Brooks, better known as Brooksie, and General Manager Gary Dorosz recently traveled to Ottawa to receive an award at the Canadian Blood Services Honouring Our Life Blood event. The event recognized people from across the country for donation milestones, volunteers and corporate supporters which the JPBG was recognized for.

Brooks says their promotion of Canadian Blood Services, the Life Saving Summer every August where they kind of adopt the clinic for a month, helps encourage listeners to go and donate.

“We try to bring awareness to the need for blood in this country, roughly 50-per cent of people in the country are eligible to donate blood but only 4-per cent of them do so. We were nominated by the local blood service clinic, located at 200 4 Avenue South in Unit 220 of the Lethbridge Centre Mall and it’s a really great feeling to know you’re helping other people,” Brooks said.

Brooks has been involved with Canadian Blood Services for over 12 years, and is a 50-time donor himself. He also MC’s the local Honouring Our Life Blood event every spring that recognizes donors and volunteers.

“I think that was the natural tie in for me to go down to Ottawa with our General Manager Gary Dorosz to accept the award on behalf of the group, but I’ve always done just like the commercials say: it’s in you to give.”

The experience wasn’t lost on Brooks, both for the recognition and paying a visit to our nation’s capital.

“It was fantastic, you can’t help but be a proud Canadian when you get to see the Parliament Building or the National War Memorial,” Brooks continued. “They say Ottawa is like everybody’s second home town, and it really feels that way when you get a chance to take it in.”

The issue of enough donors in Canada is one Canadian Blood Services, and other groups have been dealing with for years. Brooks believes its important to keep the issue on the minds of people.

“The award represents that we’re making a difference for something important. Giving blood only takes about an hour out of your life, and you get snacks when you’re done, which is my motivation. The number one excuse I hear is I don’t like needles, but no one’s ever said I like needles,” Brooks added.

“Seriously, the actual time on the bed donating takes 5-10 minutes and you spend a little time in recovery afterwards and you’re on your way. Just the feeling you get knowing that somebody out there is going to benefit from your donation, it’s special for me,” Brooks finished.

Anyone wanting to get involved can call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or go to blood.ca.