The need for blood is constant and continues throughout the year.
Each year on the Victoria Day long weekend Canadian Blood Services holds donor clinics to ensure a blood supply is available to patients in need.
This year, the Drayton blood donor clinic will be held during the Victoria Day long weekend on May 22.
The clinic needs to collect 58 blood donations to support local patients. At present there are 38 appointments available.
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) territory manager Tara Gutscher stated in an email to the Wellington Advertiser this clinic is very important because it is being held on a statutory holiday.
“Many of our regular donors may not be available to donate blood on this day due to the holiday. We need new donors to come out, donate blood and save lives,” she said.
According to CBS, more than half of all Canadians will either need blood or will know someone who does. Less than four per cent of the eligible population donates blood. “The community’s support at this long weekend clinic is appreciated by Canadian Blood Services,” Gutscher stated.
She thanked everyone who has made an appointment and asks anyone attending the clinic to bring someone along who has never donated.
The Drayton blood donor clinic on May 22 will be held at the Community Christian School, 35 High Street, from 3:30 to 7:30pm.
To book an appointment call 1-888-236-6283 or visit www.blood.ca. Walk-ins will be accepted.
Anyone who is unable to attend the Drayton clinic can donate blood prior to the long weekend at the Palmerston blood donor clinic on May 18 at the Palmerston Community Centre, 525 Cavan Street, from 5 to 8pm.
