Only 4% of eligible Canadians donate blood

As another summer long weekend approaches, the Kingston chapter of Canadian Blood Services says they’re in desperate need of donors.

“We will never turn away a walk in because we’re always interested in getting donors in here,” Debbi Barfoot, Territory Manager with Canadian Blood Services said.

More than 200 appointments are available in Kingston before the Civic Holiday weekend.

Canadian Blood Services looks for an increase in blood supply during holiday weekends, because the demand for blood is higher.

One in sixty eligible donors actually step through the doors of a Blood Services Clinic. That works out to approximately four per cent.

“The time in the clinic, usually we say will take a minimum of one hour. When it becomes longer, it becomes longer due to a higher number of walk-ins,” Barfoot said.

Barfoot adds that one donation can save up to three lives.