Canadian Blood Services is putting out an urgent plea to eligible blood donors, in hopes of filling tens of thousands of appointments nation-wide this holiday season.
The agency hopes to fill 35,000 appointments across Canada by Jan 6.
“The holiday period always presents challenges for us as we work to ensure we have enough blood and blood products to meet patients’ needs,” Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer, said.
“We know that Canadians are busy with travel and activities over the holidays, and we hope that they will make time to save a life and give blood. Canadian patients’ lives depend on them.”
In Edmonton, 1,686 appointments need to be filled. Blood donation centres will be open on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to help fill the need.
And it’s not just blood. There’s also a “pressing and ongoing” need for platelet donors, as donations have a shelf life of just seven days.
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Jennifer Morrison said she’s able to celebrate the holidays with her 10-year-old daughter, Andie, because of the kindness of the complete strangers. Andie has a rare bone marrow failure called Diamond-Blackfan anemia, which makes her body unable to produce red blood cells.
“Since she was nine weeks old, Andie has received blood transfusions every three weeks,” Morrison said.
“She will receive her 150th transfusion on Jan. 9. Without regular donors, Andie would not be with us today, so thank you for continuing to give every chance you get. “
READ MORE: Ontario woman reaches milestone, donates blood for 1,000th time
Anyone who wishes to donate can make an appointment with Canadian Blood Services online or by phoning 1-888-236-6283.
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