Large demand for blood donations this holiday season in Waterloo Region

There is a need for blood donations this holiday season in Waterloo Region and across Canada.

Currently, there are over 850 available appointments that need to be filled in the region before early January.

Canadian Blood Services is stating that before January 7, 31,000 blood donors are needed across the country.

Rachael Henderson is the Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services and explained why the demand is higher during the holidays.

“It’s because of the statutory holidays and regular collections schedules being interrupted. It is very important because of this that every available appointment is filled on the days that the donation centres are open,” Henderson said.

She also stated the Kitchener-Waterloo Donor Centre is open on days when other collection centres are not.

“They are open on December 24, December 26 and January 1 and that is because the need for blood is constant,” said Henderson.

For those who have never donated blood before, Henderson explained that it is very easy to do so and that every donation helps a family this holiday season.

“We have an eligibility quiz that you can take and if everything checks out and you are eligible to donate you can book your appointment. You should give yourself about an hour to go through the whole donation process which includes, checking in, answering a health questionnaire and getting your hemoglobin checked. The actual donation will only take 7-12 minutes,” said Henderson.

When attending your appointment ensure that you bring a government identification or a donor identification and drink lots of water before donating.

If you are interested in donating blood this holiday season you can check your eligibility and book an appointment here.