I wish more people would do what my coworker Dave Gilbertson is doing.  Dave has taken it upon himself to organize a blood drive.

Most of us get busy with our daily lives and forget about the critical need for blood donations.  It’s a need that grows every year – driven by ongoing advancements in medical treatments that help us live longer lives (while at the same time increasing transfusions as part of the patient care).  Giving blood is not something we normally think about, but I’m glad Dave is.

To say Dave’s actions to organize the blood drive are courageous or heroic might seem a bit of a stretch.  But it takes courage to see problems and take action like Dave did.  He saw a need, researched what it takes to set up a blood drive, lined up space in our offices, and sent out invitations asking people to donate.  With more than a week left, Dave’s down to only a couple of spots left in the donor schedule.

I’m not fully sure why Dave decided to pursue this.  There are things in all of our lives that can serve as triggers – opportunities waiting for us to take action.  I do know that he’s acting in the spirit of our agency purpose, calling for us ‘to foster highly valued, mutually beneficial connections and relationships between good people & good organizations.’  I love the fact that our company is building a relationship with the community blood center.  And the fact that people in our organization can support the mission of this organization.  We are also connecting with donors from outside the agency.  And in the end, we’re all connecting with those who will benefit from the giving of blood.

In a world that sometimes seems crazy and uncertain, it’s hard to find things that remain true for very long.  The incredible power of building connections and relationships is one of those lasting truths.  And it’s a darned good way to spend the rest of your life.  Thanks Dave for your contribution to the story, and to the rest of our team for the time and talents you donate in the service of our community.  It’s a lead worth following.