It is in you to give and it is hoped the story of Thomas Engele will inspire you to do so.
The 63-year-old rolled up his sleeve Friday and donated for the six-hundredth time.
He first gave blood on Feb. 14, 1977 when he heard a contest on CJME.
“The first 50 that came here to donate would get an LP,” Engele recalled. “I heard this and I thought ‘I am going to try for this and donate. It is a good thing.'”
Unfortunately, he didn’t win but he continued to donate.
Right now he provides platelets, which he does every two weeks for up to an hour.
“Even if you don’t have the time, make the time, it is all for a good cause,” Engele insisted. “If you can help someone, why not. Why let someone suffer for lack of blood, why not.”
On Friday, Engele was surrounded by his three daughters and grandchildren who helped celebrate 40 years of him giving the generous gift.
They surprised him with a home-made giant chocolate chip cookie to eat.
The Canadian Blood Services are always looking for new donors and you can find out more about whether you are eligible at www.blood.ca.