Canadian Blood Services is asking people to give back this holiday season.
The non-profit organization says they will need 770 donors from now until January 6th in order to keep inventory up in New Brunswick.
Peter MacDonald, director of donor relations in Atlantic Canada says while they had blood drives throughout December, it was short-lived.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize that blood is perishable, and platelets, which is one of the three components we draw from all donations, only lasts for seven days, so it’s so important between Christmas and New Years that if you have an appointment you keep it,” he said.
MacDonald says platelets are a critical part of their inventory as they are used for cancer treatments.
MacDonald says collecting blood can be challenging this time of year. With so many regular donors away on holiday or busy with family, they are seeing less and less appointments.
“The need for blood is constant. Its every minute of every day that someone in Canada is receiving a transfusion,” he said. “There’s always someone on the other end of their donation.”
One in two Canadians are eligible to give blood, but less than 4 per cent actually do.
He says he’d like to see blood donation become a regular habit in people’s lives instead of a one-time thing.
“Its important for us to grow our donor base.”
“It’s a wonderful way to make a difference in your community. What we collect locally is used locally first to support New Brunswick hospital patients,” he said.
MacDonald says one in two Canadians are eligible to give blood, but less than 4 per cent actually do. Male donors can donate every 56 days, while female donors can donate every 84 days.
Canadian Blood Services has main sites in Moncton and Saint John where you can book an appointment to donate.
They will also be hosting mobile events in Miramichi, Newcastle and Sussex at the end of the month.
