Members of the Rotary Club of Northumberland Sunrise rolled up their sleeves this summer — literally — as part of the spirit of Rotary’s EPIC Day of Service, donating blood and encouraging others to give the gift of life.
Rotary’s EPIC Day of Service brought clubs together across District 7070 and beyond with an ambitious goal: to demonstrate what can happen when Rotary’s worldwide network of 1.2 million members comes together in service. Throughout the initiative, clubs organized projects addressing needs in their own communities, from environmental cleanups and food initiatives to donation and support drives.
Northumberland Sunrise chose to make a difference by supporting Canadian Blood Services. On June 24, club members, family and friends attended the blood donor clinic at the Town Park Recreation Centre, answering the call to help ensure blood is available for patients who need it.
For some members, it was their first time donating blood. Others were experienced donors who have been giving for many years. Regardless of how many times they had donated before, each participant shared the same purpose — helping someone they may never meet.
The initiative is another example of how Rotary service can take many forms. Sometimes it involves a large community project; other times, making a difference can be as simple — and as powerful — as giving an hour of your time and donating blood.
For members of Northumberland Sunrise, it was another opportunity to put Rotary’s guiding principle into action: Service Above Self.
