Canadian Blood Services is encouraging people in Saskatchewan to start a new tradition by booking an appointment to donate blood and make a difference.
On Monday, the non-profit organization launched its national holiday “Give” campaign.
The goal in Saskatchewan is to meet the province’s need for 800 new donors and fill almost 5,300 appointments.
“Blood donation isn’t always top of mind at Christmas time so we’re just trying to create some awareness around that,” Katherine Wasylynka, the Canadian Blood Services territory manager for Regina and southern Saskatchewan, said.
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The organization said surveys show the top reason people do not donate blood is because they have not been asked.
To combat this, recruitment teams hit the streets on Monday in Regina and Saskatoon to let potential donors know the best gift they can give this holiday season literally comes from the heart.
“The lives that you can save by donating blood, I mean there’s so many people out there that do need your donation,” Wasylynka said.
“Be it someone with cancer can use up to eight units a week, a car accident victim can use 50 units, the list just goes on and on. So we really do need to stock up our supplies over the holidays.”
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People can book an appointment online to donate or by downloading the Give Blood App for Apple or Android.
The holiday Give campaign runs to Dec. 31.
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