Ottawa, ON
Kanada
Canadian Blood Services Head Office Gedenkbaum an Kanadas Kontaminiertes Blut-Tragödie seit 26 November 2007
ohne Namen
The Canadian Hemophilia Society, remembering the past… vigilant for the future
Canadian Blood Services - November 26, 2007
First, on behalf of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, I want to say “thank you” to CBS for hearing us and for supporting our idea to commemorate Canada’s Tainted Blood Tragedy.
Today, we are planting the very first tree in what we hope will become a small memorial forest, stretching across the entire country. This tree is a powerful symbol.
Those who see it in this public place will recognize it as a symbol of hope. Hope for those Canadians living with HIV and hepatitis C. And hope for those needing a blood transfusion.
Those who pass by it on their way into work at CBS will be reminded of the vital work they do each and every day, and of the trust Canadians place in them to keep our blood system safe and secure.
Those who pause long enough to take comfort in the shade of this tree will have new hope of a future free of the pain and suffering of a bleeding disorder.
Those who admire the strength and beauty of this tree will know that we now have a good blood system—perhaps the best in the whole world. This is evident in the release of our 2007 Report Card on Canada’s Blood System, with excellent marks for a high priority on safety and supply.
This tree will not flourish and grow on its own. The Canadian Hemophilia Society and Canadian Blood Services will continue to work together to nourish and protect this tree, symbolizing our promise and commitment to be ever vigilant so that this tragedy can never, never happen again.
But remember—this is only the first tree of a whole forest. The CHS is working with the federal government to designate October 27 as the annual day for the National Commemoration of Canada’s Tainted Blood Tragedy. Hundreds of other trees will be planted in fields, on farms, in gardens, beside rivers and in backyards. Trees will be planted in very quiet, very private ways by individuals, families and friends who have lost loved ones. Each one of these trees will remind Canadians of the thousands who died as a result of the tragedy. And each tree will give us new hope.
Photo © Canadian Hemophilia Society

Oktober 2019
Pam Wilton, London, ON