Long weekend means blood donors needed (Canadian Blood Services)

As we all prepare to give thanks this weekend, Canadian Blood Services is asking you to roll up your sleeves and save a life.

The group say there is a particular need for donors with O and A blood types.

Director of Donor Relations David Paterson in BC and Yukon says Vancouverites could even make giving blood a family event this long weekend.

“Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood and that is absolutely true on a long weekend. And really it’s the reason why we collect blood every day of the year except for Christmas Day, so we would love to see people come down and help us out a bit if it’s been a while since they donated, or if they’re a new donor, it’s kind of the perfect way to give thanks by paying it forward a little bit.”

Patterson adds making it down over the holiday is particularly important, since donations often dip then.

“Long weekends are times when people spend time away from their regular responsibilities and work, and really spend more time with families. Unfortunately for us, some of that also means that some of our donors miss their existing appointments and that we need new donors to fill in those spots.”

Agencies/Canadajournal