As part of Muslim Awareness Week, a multi-day blood and plasma donation drive is underway across Montreal and Laval, inviting Quebecers to help save lives.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative is being held in partnership with Héma-Québec and is open to donors across the province, City News reported.
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“It’s very important for us, Héma-Québec, to join with people from different cultures, different communities, because we need diversity in our bank,” said Hélène Laprade, a donor recruitment consultant with Héma-Québec.
Until Saturday, Quebecers can donate at several locations, including Globule Versailles on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal, the Héma-Québec Donation Centre in Kirkland, and Globule Laval on Le Corbusier Boulevard.
Compassion
Organizers describe each donation as a symbol of “humanity, compassion, and collective responsibility,” emphasizing the life-saving impact of blood and plasma contributions.
The blood drive was launched in the years following the deadly January 29, 2017, attack at a mosque in Quebec City, where six worshippers were killed and many others injured. The annual initiative was created as a response rooted in service and giving.
“The idea behind it is that on one hand you had a gunman that entered into the Islamic Center and took the life of six innocent men, where blood was spilled of innocent men just for being Muslim,” said Jawad Kanani, an administrator and board member of Muslim Awareness Week.
“On the other hand, Muslims are called during this week especially, but throughout the year, to give blood in order to give life.”
Organizers say the campaign highlights a message of turning tragedy into meaningful action, while also addressing ongoing needs within Quebec’s healthcare system.
Plasma donations, in particular, are being emphasized. According to organizers, about 70 per cent of the province’s plasma supply is still purchased from the United States, underscoring the importance of increasing local donations.
By bringing together diverse communities around a shared humanitarian goal, the Muslim Awareness Week blood drive aims to raise awareness, encourage participation, and reinforce the role of civic engagement in building a healthier society.