On April 16, 2016, the 16th annual blood donor clinic was organized under the patronage of the Armenian Diocese of Canada, in collaboration with Héma-Québec (Quebec Blood Services), dedicated to the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This annual campaign gathers Armenians and non-Armenians to donate blood in memory of sanctified victims, whose innocent blood was spilled during the Genocide.
His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Canada, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Komitas Mirzakhanyan, Pastor of Holy Cross Armenian Church of Laval, visited the campaign, blessed the initiative and its organizers, and was among the first donors.
The chief organizer, Mrs. Hilda Tursucuyan makes this event full of hope, by tackling all logistics year after year. “Extending a Helping Hand” was the motto of the event and it surely did so.
This year’s blood drive was supported by the Canadian United Committee of the 101st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and was attended by numerous municipal and federal dignitaries, including Mrs. Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament for Vimy (Quebec), and Mrs. Aline Dib, Municipal Councilor for Saint-Martin district of Laval, Quebec.
