In a display of community spirit and compassion, Rosemère residents came together on September 18 and 19 for the annual blood drive organized by the Town Council. This event, held at Place Rosemère and coordinated by Héma-Québec, not only exceeded expectations but also showcased the power of collective action in saving lives.

Over the course of two days, 163 individuals generously donated their blood. These selfless acts of kindness have far-reaching consequences, as nearly 600 blood products will be made available for transfusion to patients in Québec’s public hospitals. Each donation represents an opportunity to save a life, and thanks to the support of Rosemère residents, countless lives have been preserved.

“The objective of 140 donors for the two days was successfully surpassed. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who took a moment out of their day to give blood—a simple gesture that can save thousands of lives. I would also like to thank the Héma-Québec volunteers and Place Rosemère for their invaluable support in organizing this blood drive,” stated Eric Westram, Mayor of Rosemère.

This remarkable achievement underscores the significance of community engagement and the pivotal role that local organizations play in promoting the welfare of their citizens. The Rosemère Town Council’s blood drive is a testament to the strong sense of community that thrives in this town.

Héma-Québec, a vital partner in ensuring the success of blood donation events, regularly organizes similar drives throughout the year. Residents of Rosemère who missed this particular event but wish to contribute in the future, are encouraged to keep an eye on the Town’s communication platforms for announcements about upcoming blood drives.

Who Can Give Blood?

The act of donating blood is a noble endeavor that can make a substantial impact on the lives of those in need. If you are considering donating blood, it’s important to know that anyone in good health who is 18 years of age or older is generally eligible to do so. Your contribution can be a lifeline for patients undergoing various medical treatments and procedures.

Before heading to a blood drive, it’s advisable to ensure your eligibility. You can do so by contacting Donor Services at 1-800-847-2525 or by visiting Héma-Québec’s website at hema-quebec.qc.ca and navigating to the “Can I give blood?” section on the English pages of the site. This resource provides valuable information about who can donate and any specific criteria that need to be met.

The Fraser Institute’s recent study reveals the harsh reality of COVID-19 school closures across Canada. Lasting from 2020 to 2022, these closures have inflicted lifelong costs on children, despite early evidence suggesting that such measures may not be as beneficial as initially thought. The report, titled “The Forgotten Demographic: Assessing the Possible Benefits and Serious Cost of COVID-19 School Closures on Canadian Children,” highlights the profound impact these closures have had on the educational and mental well-being of Canadian youth.

When the COVID-19 pandemic initially struck in early 2020, the immediate response was to halt social activities, close schools, and shut down businesses. However, as time passed, data emerged regarding virus transmission and the real risks posed by COVID-19, particularly among different age groups. This evidence made it increasingly clear that school closures might not be necessary and could result in unintended negative consequences, especially for children.

One of the most startling revelations from the study is the prolonged duration of the school closures. Across Canada, K-12 schools remained closed for a minimum of 10 to 27 weeks, equivalent to 135 school days, depending on the province. Some schools even remained closed into 2022. This extended period of disrupted education has undoubtedly taken a toll on the academic progress of Canadian youth.

Moreover, the mental health of Canadian students has been deeply affected by these closures. Research cited in the study indicates that 64 percent of Canadians aged 15-24 reported self-perceived poor mental health during the pandemic, a figure higher than any other demographic. The isolation and disruption caused by the closures have undoubtedly contributed to this alarming increase in mental health issues among our youth.

The impact on learning loss is another concerning aspect of the school closures. Early test score data has shown a decline in student achievement following the closures, which could have long-term consequences for their educational and career prospects. Students who missed crucial classroom instruction during this period may face difficulties catching up, potentially perpetuating inequalities in educational outcomes. Furthermore, the study underscores the exacerbation of inequality resulting from school closures. When schools are closed, students lose out on essential years of basic schooling, potentially reducing their lifetime earnings. This could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, such as girls, ethnic minorities, and disabled children, further deepening the existing disparities in the Canadian education system.

One of the most crucial pieces of evidence highlighted in the report is that children faced lower health risks from COVID-19 compared to older age groups. While protecting the health and safety of students and educators is paramount, the study suggests that policymakers did not use the most accurate and up-to-date information when deciding to close schools.

As Paige MacPherson, associate director of education policy at the Fraser Institute and co-author of the study, aptly puts it, “We won’t know the totality of the damage done by the school closures for some time, but what is clear is that governments didn’t use the best information available to them when deciding to close schools, and students have already suffered and will continue to pay the price.”

The Fraser Institute is a libertarian-conservative Canadian public policy think tank and registered charity. The institute describes itself as independent and non-partisan. It is headquartered in Vancouver, with additional offices in Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. The institute has ties to a global network of think tanks in 87 countries, including 80 through the Economic Freedom Network. According to the January 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report (Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program, University of Pennsylvania), Fraser is number 14 (of 8,200) in the “Top Think Tanks Worldwide” and number 1 in the “Top Think Tanks in Mexico and Canada”.