Gift of life

Bishop Peter Coffin of the diocese of Ottawa joined other faith leaders and Canadian Blood Services in launching an initiative aimed to encourage people of all faiths to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. Rabbi Reuven Bulka, chair of the National Capital Interfaith Group, and Imam Gamal Solaiman, a Muslim leader, also signed a pledge to support the initiative and to impress upon their communities the “importance of giving blood.” “We’re calling upon people of all faiths to make a strong and lasting commitment to blood donation so that we can supply hospital patients with the blood products they need now and in the future,” said Ian Mumford, a vice president with Canadian Blood Services. While Ottawa is the pilot project, the organization hopes to see similar initiatives implemented in cities across the country.