Uncovered: Episode 1, Tim Halderson.

In this new interview style series titled, “Uncovered”, our TVC22 reporter Thomas Stockting, along with a variety of guest hosts, will be having conversations with local community members about topics that affect the community.

In this inaugural episode, Thomas Stockting had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Halderson, a retired O.P.P. officer, who has been heavily involved with volunteering at the local blood donor clinic. 

The interview begins with Thomas discussing how life has been for Tim since the new stay at home order was put in place. 

Tim says that he hasn’t been greatly affected since he is retired, and stays in touch with family over social media.

The interview then shifts into how Tim got involved with the blood donor clinic. Tim explains that he personally became involved 20 years ago when the Knights of Columbus was established in the Rockland English Catholic Parish.

It is further explained that Rockland has been donating blood for as long as blood drive services have existed. The Knights of Columbus in Rockland took on donating blood as a community project, and in the 5 clinics they have per year, 100 people donate blood. 

Tim explains that from those 100 people, 80-100 units of blood are produced, and from they are broken down into enough red blood cells, platelets, and plasma , that can help up to 3 people in need of blood. With those numbers, 1000 people could be helped per year. 

Since only 4% of Canadians donate blood, Canada is forced to purchase blood from other countries to make up for the demand. Tim states that the biggest factor behind people not wanting to give blood is that people are afraid of needles, and people are misinformed about the process (which Tim says is very painless), and are unaware of the lack in supply.  He hopes that people who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine will donate blood as they see that needles are harmless.

There has been a recurring problem in people who forget to cancel their appointments if they are feeling unwell, which creates vacant spots.  Tim reminds us to properly cancel appointments so that other people will be able to take your place.

It is then explained that a blood donor volunteer’s role is to look after the patients who just gave blood in the refreshment and recovery area, and to screen patients for COVID-19 symptoms before they enter. 

The interview then shifts into Tim’s involvement with the Knights of Columbus, who are a group of parishioners that support the church, and help out in the community (Food Banks, Charities, ETC.)  The association is global, with many stationed in war torn countries to give support to those in need. 

Tim discusses his joining the Knights, when he became stationed here from Toronto in 1973 when he was still working for the O.P.P. He was looking for a Parish to join, and ended up joining the St, Trinity Parish in Rockland, and has been with them through the years and the amalgamations with other churches in the area. He then describes what it was like moving from Toronto to Clarence-Rockland, and how he was able to learn French while on the go.

The interview concludes with Tim again expressing the need for volunteers at the blood donor clinics, and that we as a community need to come together to help each other out.