At the clinic for Arms Out For Andrew initiative. (Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Police Services via Twitter).At the clinic for Arms Out For Andrew initiative. (Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Police Services via Twitter).
Chatham

Residents Back Up Local Police Officer

Flooding in the area didn't stop local residents from rolling up their sleeves to support a man in uniform.

Chatham-Kent police say dozens of people attended the blood drive on February 24 as part of the "Arms Out For Andrew" initiative.

Constable Andrew Gaiswinkler was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in November. He has since been receiving treatment while he's on the waiting list for a stem cell transplant.

According to a media release, about 150 people went to the clinic at the Spirit of Life Centre on Saturday to donate blood.

"The clinic was not able to accommodate everyone, so many people rescheduled to their March 14 clinic date," said the release. "In total, 104 units of blood were collected where typically this clinic averages 58 units, thus achieving 179.31% of the target goal."

A gallery from the clinic can be found at the CK police Facebook page.

Residents willing to donate blood are encouraged to contact Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2-DONATE or click blood.ca.

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