19th Blood Donation Camp in Sant Nirankari Mission, Toronto

In keeping with the enthusiasm from the last several years, the Sant Nirankari Mission in Toronto continued to show their support in the blood donation camp held on October 27, 2012 by donating 85 units of blood surpassing the target of 70 units. The camp was at Sant Nirankari Bhawan in Brampton Ontario, with His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji’s blessings, the camp was well received by the congregation and the Canadian Blood Services. This was a great service (sewa) that the congregation openly embraced.
It has been said, ‘love all serve all’ and the atmosphere emulated this feeling. Many younger members and those of the congregation took this opportunity to serve and give back to their community. Many were asked what inspired them to donate blood and they humbly answered, this provided an opportunity to give back to society very simply. Upon further discussion, a donor commented that this wonderful opportunity is simple because it’s easy to donate blood and your blood regenerates just as effortlessly. This is truly a great chance to save someone’s life.
Cheryl Sprayson with her husband Glen Sprayson explained many donations are in the form of monetary donations but this one is an exclusive donation which is within you and costs you nothing, rather in return gives you a satisfaction that one day three lives will benefit from this one act. Raj Chowdhary, first time donor who came to the mission felt very humble and a feeling of gratitude was overwhelming for him. He donated to honor Shawn Bridger, a Realtor who was involved in a snowmobile accident on January 13, 2012 and needed 13 units of blood to save his life. Raj committed to donate repeatedly saying, “I came here first time and after seeing the atmosphere, enthusiasm and commitment of the donors here, I feel I should start donating regularly now.” Alisha Sahota, volunteer with Canadian Blood Services, said “I have been volunteering since August and have worked in recreation centers until now. There sometimes it gets really slow during the day and we wait for donors. But I am surprised to see the dedication of the donors here from the mission and outside, the hall is packed. This is my first experience to see this kind of zeal in the donors.”
The whole event was organized in a pleasant manner which permitted all age groups to participate. For example, those under 17 were serving food to the donors and doing their part during the event. A member of the media noted that the food being served was given with such respect and love. It has been said, everybody can serve without any limitations attached, and all you need is a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. These are teachings of His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Maharaj Ji, head of the mission.
Susan Fennell, Mayor City of Brampton, congratulated the mission by presenting the plack to Sukhbir Bir, General Secretary, Sant Nirankari Mission Canada Inc., and thanked the mission for the dedication to this noble cause.
Charlene Goodwin, Regional Partnership Specialist, from Canadian Blood Services attended the event in lieu of observing the success of the blood donation camp. She also gave 50 copies of Pulse magazine which the progress of the Mission’s contribution and promoting the Mission to the level of National Partner for Life
This is a selfless service which congregation members voluntarily participate in, for setup, donating and cleanup for the past 16 years. The Canadian Blood Services thanked the Sant Nirankari Mission for allowing them to be a part of this event.