**** Canadian Blood Services

Blood donor event to honour Halifax firefighter Ben Baurin, August 26

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WHAT: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Canadian Blood Services and Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency are hosting an In Honour donor event for the late Benjamin “Benny” Baurin, a firefighter who passed away April 2, 2019 at the age of 20 in a multi-vehicle accident. Ben was a truly kind, generous, compassionate person who always put others’ needs before his own. He gladly served his community as a volunteer firefighter with Station 23, Chezzetcook and was employed by Canadian Air Transport Security Authority at Stanfield International Airport. Ben was passionate about donations and his family honoured his wishes by donating his organs. Ben’s corneas allowed two people to see again. Tissue grafts from his eyes will assist up to eight people. Bones will be used to produce tissues to repair fractures and his skin will be used on people who suffered critical burns.

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As a first responder, Ben saw the need for blood regularly. Just one person who is seriously injured in a car crash could need as many as 50 blood donations to help save their life. If they are O-Negative, the need is even greater. When seconds count, someone’s life is on the line, and there’s no time to check blood type, patients in an emergency can all receive O-negative blood. Inventory levels for O-Negative blood are currently low. We ask people to honour Ben by coming to donate blood, and to register as an organ donor.

WHEN: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​3 P.M. – 7 P.M., MONDAY, AUGUST 26

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WHERE: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Canadian Blood Services donor centre, 7071 Bayers Road, Halifax