There are a number of compelling reasons to donate blood, including it being the "right" thing to do, knowing someone who needs it, having a rare blood type or just feeling it's your social duty. Whatever your reasoning, the Red Cross Blood Donor Centre is a good place to do it.
Unlike mobile blood banks, the permanent donors centre is settled in itself, and ready to go all the time - there's never a horrendous four-hour wait to do something that is, at its core, voluntary and unpleasant. The staff here are incredibly chatty, with both the donors and each other. The camaraderie in the environment tends to take your mind off the blood coming out of your veins - all for a good cause, of course!
The centre is very clean, and donor comfort is clearly a priority - privacy is treated with incredible importance, and the after-donation food is good! When you leave, the staff make a point of thanking you, because you helped to save three lives with your blood donation! read more