Torontonian of the year nominee: Skip McWatters - Action News
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Torontonian of the year nominee: Skip McWatters

For the second year in a row, CBC Radio's Metro Morning is on the lookout for the Torontonian of the year. Skip McWatters, a longtime volunteer and prolific blood donor, is one of our nominees.

McWatters has spent 50 years volunteering and has given blood 786 times

'Im retired now so Im a full-time volunteer,' said Skip McWatters, who describes giving back as his 'passion.' (Kate McGillivray/CBC)

For the second year in a row, CBC Radio's Metro Morning went looking for the Torontonian of the year.

The call was out for Toronto residents who are making a positive impact in their communities.

Nominee: Skip McWatters

Skip McWatters has spent 50 years volunteering for Canadian Blood Services and for the Scott Mission, which provides resourcesand meals to vulnerable Torontonians.

Now that he's retired, he stays busier than ever, often doing two volunteer shifts a day, one at each organization.

"People always ask me why do I volunteer so much. I volunteer because I like it," he told Matt Galloway on Metro Morning. "It's a passion. Five-and-a-half years into retirement, I'm not bored."

People always ask me why do I volunteer so much. I volunteer because I like it.- Skip McWatters

Anna Teed, who works with McWatters and nominated him for the award, described him as "performing each task with energy and gratitude."

He may also be the most prolific blood donor in the city. On the weekend, he gave blood for the 786th time.

Why does he keep giving?

"Just the fact that you're going to save possibly three lives from one donation," he said.

McWatters said he draws inspiration from the hard work of volunteers around him, and from all the people who show up to donate blood when Canadian Blood Services puts a call out.

"They line up," he said."Torontonians are very passionate about those who are less fortunate."

With files from Metro Morning