WATCH: Need for donor blood great over the holidays

The holidays are a good time to roll up your sleeves and give back without spending a penny.

Health care providers say this is the time of year when the need for blood is crucial, because people rarely take time out of their busy holiday schedule to make a donation.

Canadian Blood Services is making it easier to give by extending hours at many of its clinics across the province.

Blood clinics are closed on Christmas Day, but many have extended hours on boxing day.

To book an appointment and for more information, visit blood.ca.