Canadian Blood Services will be holding a blood donor clinic in Kipling on Dec. 29.
This holiday season Canadians are being encouraged to “wrap the holidays in red this year.”
Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, and Canadian Blood Services have come together to promote giving blood this holiday season or by registering to become an organ and tissue donor.
The Wrap it up Red campaign reads that they “aim to boost blood donations and appointments, and promote organ and tissue donation during the holidays and into the New Year – typically a challenging time for blood collections.”
The campaign is running from Dec. 3 to Jan. 3.
“Collecting blood during the holiday season is a challenge as many donors go away or are busy with family activities,” a press release reads. “To help keep up with hospital demand between December 24 and January 3, blood donors are needed at the Kipling Blood Donor Clinic which takes place December 29th at Kipling School from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.”
Last year a nationwide social media campaign, #GiftOfLife was used to encourage people to sign up for organ and tissue donations in Canada. This year the campaign is focused on #WrapItUpRed.
Ultimately “making a blood donation helps ensure an adequate supply for hospitals to provide to their patients,” a press release stated.
Anyone interested in donating at the blood drive in Kipling is asked to book an appointment prior as it eliminates wait times at the clinic.
For those interested in donating blood, you can download the Canadian Blood Services GiveBlood App, book an appointment online at blood.caor call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
"Along with my colleagues, I would like to encourage all Canadians to roll up their sleeves and start one of the easiest, but most important traditions this holiday season - giving blood,” The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health. “It's easy to do, and will help Canadian Blood Services maintain a safe and much-needed supply to fill the constant demand for blood during the holiday season. The lifesaving power of blood donations is the best gift you can give to help the millions of patients every year who need transfusions. So please, roll-up your sleeves, and let's all save some lives and give the #GiftOfLife!"
In Canada someone is in need of blood every minute of every day according to Canadian Blood Services. All blood and blood products have a limited life and therefore demand remains high.
Though approximately one in two Canadians are able to give blood, only one in 60 did last year; while 52 percent of Canadians have had a family member in need of blood or blood products related to surgeries or medical treatments.
Additionally more than 4,500 people are on a waiting list for organ transplants in Canada, while only a fraction of Canadians are registered to donate.
