A Richmond resident is being honoured by the Canadian Blood Services for contributions to volunteering for the non-profit.
Americo Silva was set to be recognized on Friday at the services’ annual Honouring Canada’s Lifeline event that will be celebrated virtually for the first time.
However, the event, said organizers on Monday, has been postponed.
Silva, an immigrant from Portugal in 1967 who started volunteering with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) in 2002, told the Richmond News how he “always had in mind to help the people of our country, Canada, as to make it a better place for us all.”
He said he stuck with CBS for so long because saving lives is a “never an ending journey and we, as citizens of this beautiful and welcoming country, have a responsibility to care for those in need around us.
“If we are healthy and have time in our hands, I plan to do my part volunteering for as long as I can.”
Silva, a retired plaster and stucco contractor, told of how, when he immigrated to Vancouver from Portugal, he unexpectedly met someone from his home village — a woman who used to play with his younger sister.
She and Silva eventually married, raised three children and are now blessed with five grandchildren.
Over the years, he’s helped out CBS at donor events and at countless recruitment and promotional activities.
“I enjoy making people happy and comfortable,” he said.
“Canada is a land of opportunity, and it’s been very good to me. Contributing to the well-being of the community has always been an ambition of mine.”
