By Jodi A. Shaw
I’ve never been shy about my distaste for Valentine’s Day. I don’t endorse or encourage celebrating it, I don’t accept Valentine’s Day gifts from anyone other than small children who have an innocent appreciation for the “holiday.” Instead, every year I close my eyes, plug my ears, and wait for it to go away.
Last year, I wrote about how meaningless and sexist the whole event is. My stance hasn’t changed, but I’ve observed a trend this year that has prompted me to keep my anti-V-Day protests to myself.
Want to make some really special, loving plans? Donate blood. As Dylan promised Brenda all those years ago on “90210,” it’s a gift that’s “red, warm, and close to the heart”:
Okay, so maybe it’s not the grand, romantic gesture some of us were expecting at the time, but Dylan was on to something pretty spectacular. Flash forward over a decade later, and it’s nice to see people picking up on the idea.
According to Canadian Blood Services, “Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. In fact, according to a recent poll, 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment.”
It’s a small gift, really, but one that saves lives. I even admit I got a bit of that warm, fuzzy feeling about Valentine’s Day when I heard people discussing their donation plans. It’s an actual gift from the heart. I won’t be able to donate today, but I do plan on calling the Canadian Blood Services (1-800-2-DONATE) to find out when and where I can donate next.
