Donors needed to keep blood supply at high levels during the holidays
Canadian Blood Services is asking people to roll up their sleeves during the holiday season to ensure a strong supply of blood products.
Brett Lawrence, community development manager for the Manitoba chapter of Canadian Blood Services, says the agency is looking to fill 25,000 appointments between now and the end of the year. Of those appointments, 500 are in Winnipeg.
“We're seeing a lot of cancellations go up due to sick calls,” he said. “Also, if you look outside, the weather is not the most ideal. So, some people aren't coming out to donate blood. So we’re really encouraging people to book appointments and keep them if they can. And if they need to cancel, please reschedule.”
Lawrence said the donors are needed to help ensure a supply of blood products, including platelets. The organization is also specifically looking for O-negative donations, as it can be transfused to any patient.
“A leukemia patient, for example, could use up to eight units (of blood) a week for one week of leukemia treatments,” he said. “Another situation could be a car accident, where up to 50 units could be needed.”
At Winnipeg’s blood donation clinic, several people rolled up their sleeves Wednesday to help refill the blood supply, including some for the first time.
"My girlfriend has been donating blood for many years, and we talked and she asked if I would be interested in donating blood, and I said, ‘absolutely,’” said Slavko Kovak.
“It’s a great thing. We’re helping people and saving lives.”
Kerry Barron donated for the first time in 30 years on Wednesday, after seeing a report on CTV Morning Live Winnipeg.
“I said, ‘Why can’t I do this again?’” he said. “I was a young kid the last time I did it.”
Appointments for blood donation can be booked online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.