Thornhill father, son bond over 200th blood donation
Family, friends cheer on milestone

Thornhill Liberal
February 4, 2014
By Marney Beck

It was an emotional father son bonding moment.

Last Thursday, Thornhill resident Eric Lakien made his 200th blood donation. Not only was his son, Joshua, among the family members cheering this generous accomplishment, but Joshua also made his very first blood donation at the same time.

The Lakien family came to the Hillcrest Mall permanent blood donor clinic in Richmond Hill, along with close friends. Mr. Lakien invited them to consider giving blood during his milestone 200th blood donation, which is an impressive accomplishment, as it can take nearly three decades to achieve.

Four family members and friends did accept Mr. Lakien’s challenge, and gave blood with him, including son Joshua, who rolled up his sleeve for the very first time. Standing by his son’s side, Mr. Lakien commented how proud he was.

“To see him in that chair, with the blood flowing into the bag, was very emotional. I was very proud of two things – of course, that he had donated — but also that I had motivated him to give.”

Canadian Blood Services requires more than 80,000 new donors to give blood each year to support the ongoing demand for blood and blood products.

With the collection of five blood donations last week from the Lakien family, someone undergoing heart surgery would now have enough blood to survive.

More than 500 appointment slots need to be filled during the month of February at the Hillcrest Mall clinic.

Rally your family and friends to give blood together by calling 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

To find a clinic near you, go to blood.ca/centreapps/clinics/InetClinics.nsf/CVSE?OpenForm&CloseMenu