News in brief

St. James Christmas Eve blood donor clinic Canadian Blood Services is holding a blood donation clinic at the St. James Civic Centre (2055 Ness Ave.) on Mon., Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The organization is hoping to fill 75 appointment spaces and is looking for donors with an O-negative blood type to sign up. “While all blood types are needed, O-negative blood is in particular demand by hospitals,” CBS territory manager Steve Raizen said in a statement. “When seconds count and somebody’s life is on the line, there’s no time to check their blood type. In an emergency, all patients can receive O-negative blood.” Since platelets, the property that helps blood clot, only have a shelf life of seven days, Raizen said it’s important for new donations to come through during December so hospitals and emergency services have enough blood to help patients over the holidays. Make an appointment for the mobile blood clinic by visiting blood.ca Tec Voc goes fair trade Tec Voc High School has made a commitment to only purchase food and other items from fair trade sources. The Sargent Park school received its official Fair Trade School designation on Nov. 28 and students served up samples of local Fair Trade food and drinks in the cafeteria to celebrate. “We’re very proud of this recognition and encourage all schools to join us in becoming Fair Trade designated,” said Sarah Dela Cruz, student member of the Tec Voc Fair Trade Committee, in a statement. Fair trade is an initiative that promotes livable wages, decent working conditions and fair prices for farmers and workers in various industries around the world. “Thanks to the hard work of students, teachers and staff at Tec Voc, more farmers and producers will now benefit from a fair price for their products,” said Sean McHugh, executive director of the Canadian Fair Trade Network. Table dressings for a good cause This holiday season, local interior designers, artists and chefs have come together to raise money for Winnipeg Harvest and Willow Place Women and Children’s Emergency Shelter. Table Stories is a showcase of 15 live edge tables decorated for the holidays and on display at Blue Moon furniture (109 Pacific Ave.) from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8. An opening celebration was held on Nov. 29 with sampling of favourite holiday recipes from local chefs featured in the Down to Earth: Homemade Soups in Handmade Vessels cookbook (a collaborative project of Ayoko Design and the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s CRAFTED Show + Sale). Proceeds from the sale of cookbooks and restaurant gift cards from participating chefs go to Winnipeg Harvest. — Staff

St. James Christmas Eve blood donor clinic

Canadian Blood Services is holding a blood donation clinic at the St. James Civic Centre (2055 Ness Ave.) on Mon., Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The organization is hoping to fill 75 appointment spaces and is looking for donors with an O-negative blood type to sign up.