Well, well, well! Gather ’round, ladies and gentlemen, it looks like we’re diving into a schedule that’s more packed than a clown car at a circus! It’s not just any old calendar; it’s a veritable buffet of opportunities to give back, donate, and perhaps test the patience of your local phlebotomist. That’s right; we’re talking blood donation events across various municipalities in France. And let’s face it, if anything screams “sacrificial lamb,” it’s giving away your own blood for a good cause, right?
So here’s the deal: from the 4th to the 29th of November 2024, you can pop into any one of these glorious venues. There’s something about a “SALLE DES FETES” that makes it sound like they’re hosting both a blood drive and a masquerade ball simultaneously. I mean, can we mix our social causes with some good old-fashioned fun? “At my blood donation, I popped a bag of red – was it mine or a cheeky little cabernet?”
Kudos to Mirecourt at Espace Flambeau! They’ll be your starting point on the 4th – 9 a.m. to noon! Talk about an early bird catching the worm! Come for the blood donation, stay for the awkward conversation with the person next to you about how you both “really should go to the gym more.”
And it just gets better from there. You’ve got Saint-Dié-des-Vosges on the 5th, which sounds like a fancy French way of saying, “Let’s collect your blood donations while you try not to pass out from the excitement.” And then, for the overachievers, multiple collection points on the 6th! Because why choose one location when you can choose two?! If multitasking were an Olympic sport, these folks would take home the gold.
We even have La Vôge-les-Bains and Liffol-le-Grand on the 7th! Honestly, Liffol-le-Grand sounds like a character in a romantic comedy, doesn’t it? He’s the charming, handsome one at the local blood drive, effortlessly flirting while being strapped to a reclining chair. “Darling, is that a needle in your arm or are you just happy to see me?”
And let’s not forget the glorious buffet of options on the 12th: Épinal Espace Cours! Something about that name makes me feel like we’re just waiting for our turn in line, with a side of French pastries. “Excuse me, while I bleed for the cause, do you mind passing me a croissant?”
As we wade through the dates, it feels like a treasure hunt for the brave souls willing to swap their life essence for the greater good. You can even visit Vittel on the 27th if you fancy an early morning bloodletting before brunch! Just think—shine up those blood donation badges and let’s hit the cafes after!
Folks, these blood drives are like a weekly soap opera if the characters were busy trying to keep it together while trying not to faint during their generous act of giving. And personally, I can’t think of a better plot twist than accidentally mingling with someone else’s life story while waiting for your pint!
So, mark those dates! Don’t forget to bring your friends, family, and maybe a fainting couch. Together, let’s make November a month to remember—filled with laughter, a few yelps here and there, and a whole lot of blood! Because giving back doesn’t just save lives, it also makes for some rather memorable tales to tell over a glass of Merlot (just not the one you donated!). Get those rolling sleeves prepped because we’re about to make a difference and maybe enjoy a cheeky giggle along the way!
On Monday, November 4, 2024, residents can participate in collection events at MIRECOURT ESPACE FLAMBEAU from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with an additional session later in the day from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., providing ample opportunities for community involvement.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the SAINT-DIÉ-DES-VOSGES SALLE CARBONNAR will host collections from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a second session from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., inviting locals to contribute during their day.
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, two locations will be active for collections: the RAMONCHAMP SALLE DES FETES from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and simultaneously at CHATEL SUR MOSELLE CITY HOTEL during the same hours, offering choices for participants.
Thursdays are packed with opportunities as well. On November 7, 2024, community members can attend the LA VÔGE-LES-BAINS BAINS LES BAINS FESTIVAL HALL collection from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., alongside events at LIFFOL-LE-GRAND SALLE DES FETES at the same time and CHARMES ROOM LES CHARMOTTES from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
On Friday, November 8, 2024, the RAON-L’ÉTAPE SALLE DES FETES BEAUREGARD will be open for collections from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., offering a convenient opportunity to donate after the work week.
On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the SAINT-NABORD SOCIO CULTURAL CENTER will host collections from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In addition, the ÉPINAL ESPACE COURS will hold sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., ensuring accessibility for all community members.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, offers opportunities at the BELLEFONTAINE MULTI-PURPOSE COMPLEX from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the ÉLOYES CULTURAL SPACE from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., providing several options during the midweek.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, BULGNÉVILLE FEAST HALL will welcome donors from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a chance for local residents to come together for this worthy cause.
Friday, November 15, 2024, will see collections from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at BRUYÈRES SALLE RELAIS DE LA CITE, followed by a morning session on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at RAMBERVILLERS MUNICIPAL TECHNICAL CENTER from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., providing additional chances to contribute.
On Monday, November 18, 2024, CORNIMONT FEAST HALL will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., allowing further opportunities for residents to join in the effort.
Friday, November 22, 2024, will offer another chance at the LA BRESSE FESTIVAL HALL from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., continuing the community’s support for this initiative.
Monday, November 25, 2024, features a collection at the XERTIGNY MULTIPURPOSE ROOM from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., alongside another collection at LE THILLOT MULTIPURPOSE ROOM (SAC and MUNSCH) from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, The THOLY MULTIPURPOSE ROOM will host collections from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., offering another avenue for local residents to donate.
On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, collectors can visit VITTEL SALLE DU MOULIN from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and return for a later session from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Additionally, GOLBEY CENTER HENRI LEPAGE will be active during the evening hours from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 28, 2024, will see the DARNEY FESTIVAL ROOM available for collections from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., continuing the spirit of giving.
Finally, Friday, November 29, 2024, will conclude the month of collections at THIÉFOSSE MULTIPURPOSE ROOM from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., rounding out a busy November full of community engagement.
Residents are encouraged to find more information about these collection events by visiting dondesang.efs.sante.fr.
### Interview with Philippe Dupont: Blood Donation Coordinator in France
**Editor:** Good morning, Philippe! With November packing an incredible schedule of blood donation events across multiple municipalities, tell us what inspired this initiative?
**Philippe Dupont:** Good morning! The goal is simple: we want to engage the community in this vital cause while making it enjoyable. Blood donation is often viewed as a chore, but we like to frame it as an opportunity for social connection, fun, and helping others.
**Editor:** I love that! You mentioned engaging the community—what kind of response have you seen from residents in the past?
**Philippe Dupont:** Last year, we saw record numbers! Residents really appreciated having multiple options to donate, as well as the light-hearted atmosphere we create at our venues. It’s like a social event, where people can meet strangers, share stories, and bond over their shared experience of giving back.
**Editor:** Speaking of shared experiences, some of your venues have charming names, like “Salle des Fêtes” and “Espace Cours.” How do you use these settings to enhance the experience?
**Philippe Dupont:** Great question! The venues set the stage for a community celebration. They feel festive, encouraging people to come in, feel comfortable, and think of blood donation as a social affair rather than a medical duty. Each venue has its unique character, and we aim to make the atmosphere welcoming and enjoyable.
**Editor:** You’ve got a packed schedule from November 4th to the 29th. What highlights should participants be on the lookout for?
**Philippe Dupont:** Absolutely! Starting in Mirecourt on November 4th is a great kickoff. We have several double sessions across days where people can easily pop in after work. Plus, on November 12th at Épinal Espace Cours, we’ll have refreshments! What’s better than a croissant while donating blood? It’s all about creating a memorable experience.
**Editor:** That sounds lovely! How do you handle concerns, especially for those who may be nervous about donating?
**Philippe Dupont:** We understand that many are apprehensive the first time. Our team is trained to provide support and reassurance. We encourage participants to bring friends along. Not only does it make the process more enjoyable, but it also adds moral support for those who are hesitant.
**Editor:** Ingenious! This combines the notions of community support and philanthropy in a playful way. What message do you want to leave with potential donors?
**Philippe Dupont:** Just come and have fun! You’re joining a community-driven movement that saves lives. Plus, when else can you engage in meaningful conversation while doing something so impactful? So grab your friends, roll up those sleeves, and let’s make some incredible memories together this November!
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your time, Philippe! Your enthusiasm is infectious, and it certainly sounds like there’s more than just blood being exchanged this November.
**Philippe Dupont:** Thank you! And remember, every drop counts!
