As news of Canadian Blood Services (CBS) clinic closure in Brandon continues to sink in, the MGEU is doing everything it can to try and reverse the decision.
“The news hit me and our 12 members that work at the facility very hard. They love what they do and have forged strong relationships with donors in their community,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky.
President Gawronsky was in Brandon on Wednesday and donated blood at the clinic to help raise the profile of the clinic and challenge others in Westman to donate as well. She was joined by fellow MGEU members Brother Wayne Chacun (1st Vice President), Brother Doug Troke (2nd Vice President), Sister Charlotte McWilliams (4th Vice President) and Sister Terry Rear (Health Care Support Services Component Director).
Gawronsky has also written a letter to the CEO of CBS, Dr. Graham D Sher, asking him to reconsider this decision and offer the MGEU’s full support in helping to identify their blood donation targets and reach them.
“At a time when the need for blood donors has never been greater, look no further than the CBS home page which currently reads, ‘blood donors needed asap.’ It seems the decision to close the clinic flies in the face that plea,” Gawronsky added. “We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help save the clinic. I hope the CEO takes us up on that offer.”
A petition to save the clinic has been started by Brandon’s Member of Parliament, Larry Maguire. Gawronsky is encouraging all members to sign the petition to send a strong message to CBS that this clinic is a valuable asset to not only Brandon, but the entire Westman community.