The holidays are a busy season for many people, full of holidays, socializing and plenty of travel time.
unfortunately for Canadian Blood Services (CBS), however, the demand for life-saving blood treatments for Christmas isn’t going anywhere.
There are still more than 300 vacancies in Regina and more than 500 in Saskatoon that need to be filled by the end of the month to meet projected December demand, according to CBS.
“There are many things we are facing this holiday season. We are seeing an increase in the number of flu and of course the effects of the ongoing covidAlso inclement weather, cold weather and poor driving conditions can have an impact,” said CBS Donor Relations Regional Manager Aaron Barlow.
“And the holidays always present a challenge for us that people are enjoying their time with friends and family.”
‘Supply is tight’ — Canadian Blood Services concerned about current inventory
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Barlow said some who were regular donors before the pandemic have yet to return to their routine, creating another challenge.
He said that since the start of the pandemic, CBS has lost more than 31,000 regular donors nationwide.
However, some help was arriving on Friday morning.
Brian Matheson and Candy Bye chat before their charity appointments.
Dave Parsons / Global News
Carlisle resident and Lions Club member Candy Bye inspired 11 of her fellow members to make the two-hour trip to donate.
“I thought it was a good thing to bring our cause. Our motto is ‘We serve.’ So this is one way we can be of service,” she said.
Brian Matheson of Lumsden shares that sentiment. His 94th blood donation happened on Friday.
“It’s Christmas time, but you can’t let that get in the way of your regular charitable giving,” Matheson said.
“It’s easy. It only takes a few minutes of your time and it’s definitely the right thing to do.”
Canadian Blood Services’ new donation center on South Albert Street.
Dave Parsons / Global News
More enticements for Regina donors rally: Canadian Blood Services has opened a shiny new office on South Albert.
“We opened our new Donor Center on Monday at 4180 Albert St. We welcomed the guests that day. There was a lot of positive feedback and enthusiasm,” Barlow said.
“Our new donor center, it’s bright, it’s open, it’s very welcoming. It’s designed with the donor experience in mind to make sure everyone has a positive experience.”
Canadian Blood Services encourages anyone interested in donating to visit blood.ca By downloading the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1-800-236-6283.
Men can donate complete blood every 56 days, while women can donate complete blood every 84 days.
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