| Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is conducting a month-long nation-wide blitz to stockpile blood in case West Nile Virus appears in humans in Canada before blood screening begins on July 1.
The goal is to attract donors who haven’t given blood before, because CBS’s regular cache of donors only offer enough to cover everyday operations. The organization plans to start screening all donated blood for West Nile Virus this summer – the largest and quickest such screening implementation in its history – but says it needs a stockpile in case it has to shut down blood collecting in areas where the virus appears.
West Nile Virus, spread by mosquitoes, has never been found in Alberta, although cases of it have steadily moved west through North America in recent years.
Canadians can donate by calling 1-888-2-Donate to set up an appointment.
A three-day arts festival takes place in the mountain town of Canmore beginning May 23.
ArtSPeak Festival will feature components varying from film and television to visual arts and takes place at the same time as the Canmore Street Performers Festival.
The festival includes a panel discussion about Alberta’s film and television industry, a speech by author and film historian Brian Patton and workshops for aspiring filmmakers, as well as gallery exhibitions, music performances and an art walk through the town.
For more information about the festival visit www.MountainArts-Foundation.com.
Calgary will take part in a North-America-wide walk to raise awareness and money for sustainable development in the Third World.
The World Partnership Walk, hailed as the only walk in Canada in support of sustainable international development, will also feature performances by cultural organizations in a family atmosphere.
The five-kilometre walk beginning at Prince’s Island Park is the focus of the event. The walk is staged by the Aga Khan Foundation and money raised will be matched by the Canadian International Development Agency.
Registation information is available at www.WorldPartnership-Walk.com.
Calgary plays host to a community cultural festival in Central Memorial Park on May 23.
The Mosaic community cultural festival will include entertainment from different cultures, such as Chinese lion dancers, Nigerian dancers and Irish spear dancers. Headlining musical act The Rembetika Hipsters are known for their blending of traditional Greek folk music with modern popular music. The festival takes place from 5 to 10 p.m.
A workshop focusing on issues of international law surrounding the war in Iraq will feature a prominent member of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs. Dr. Arthur Clark will address questions about international law, economic sanctions and citizenship in light of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
The workshop is being hosted by the Canadian Network to End Sanctions in Iraq and takes place May 24 at 9 a.m. at Parkdale United Church. |
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