The bonspiel initially attracted attention because it was one of the first outbreaks in Alberta and the participants were primarily physicians.

Following a spell of cancellations as COVID-19 shutdowns first went into effect, Canadian Blood Services is now reporting a rise in donations.

A new study conducted by UBC's Okanagan campus may lead to a new method that can determine if people are more susceptible to certain diseases or even opioid dependency.

While it is still the season of giving, Canadian Blood Services officials say they are hoping more people will consider booking and keeping blood donation appointments before the new year.

Donating blood is going to be a little different next year, as Lethbridge will have a brand new collection centre just for plasma donations.

On a normal day there are 120 appointments available for donors to give blood - usually full or mostly filled up - but right now, December 31st has over 100 open blood appointments.

Those with type O negative blood are especially urged to donate.

In its first full year of operation in Saskatoon, Canadian Plasma Resources has paid out more than $400,000 in compensation gift cards to donors.

Anne Walker is the first woman in Ontario to donate blood 1,000 times.

In Hamilton, about 225 donors are needed each week, both new and current donors.