February is the month when local Rotarians join together for the blood donation initiative – Rotary Cares  - and it seemed natural to have Marissa Gatfield as tonight’s speaker. 
Marissa is the Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Service.  The role of Canadian  Blood Services is to provide lifesaving products and services in transfusion and transplantation for Canadian patients, and to safeguard Canada’s systems of life essentials in blood, plasma, stem cells, and organs and tissues.  There are 700 hospitals throughout Canada that rely on these services with 35 permanent collection sites in the country including Windsor.  Every 60 seconds someone in Canada needs blood.  There is always a need as blood must be used within a 42 day period.  Most donations are used within 5 days and currently there is an 8-day supply.  Each year 112,000 donors are required to maintain the supply.  Marissa outlined how COVID -19 has impacted blood donations and detailed the procedures in place to insure health and safety during COVID-19.  She thanked Rotary for its continued support and encouraged everyone to step up and show that “Rotary Cares”.
 
Tonight’s “Vocation at Your Service” featured Zora Savic.  Zora is the Student  Communications and Events Coordinator at the University of Windsor.  She shared the challenges facing the University in recruitment during COVID and how the University has adapted by planning a virtual Spring Open House for interested potential students.
 
The Satellite also welcomed new member, Antonio Paine.  Antonio came to Canada from Brazil and was involved in Rotaract as a student.  He shared his story and his desire to become a Rotarian.  It was inspiring to hear of his passion for the ideals of Rotary and we look forward to having him in the Satellite Club.