Residents in Port Hope are currently being encouraged to donate blood to Canada’s Red Cross to help save a life. Each year, thousands of Canadians need blood, and sometimes, there are shortages of rare blood types

It’s also worth noting that at one point in their lives, thousands of people in the country have needed a blood transfusion to stay alive. Indeed, setting aside a bit of your time just might save a life in the future.

This is something Stu Linton, a resident of Port Hope, understands by heart. For years, he has donated blood many times – in fact, he just “celebrated” his 144th blood donation this Monday, giving blood at the donation clinic set up at the Port Hope Lions’ Recreation Centre.

Linton said he started to donate blood as a way of honoring one of his nephews who was suffering from the blood condition, hemophilia. The first 100 donations are apparently for him, while the next 100 (he plans to go beyond 200) are for himself.

For those interested in helping out, it’s not too late! You can still donate blood and save lives by heading to the Port Hope Lions’ Recreation Centre on February 15, 2010. You can call the local Red Cross to set an appointment.