Summer is here! For many, that means weekend camping trips, long weekends at the beach and patio season.
However, while you may have vacation on your mind, patients across the country are thinking about their next medical treatment or are in the hospital, unable to fully enjoy this sunny season.
These patients could be fighting for their lives, and waiting for vital donations of blood and plasma products. The need is constant—and that’s where you come in.
By making donating blood or plasma part of your summer plans, you’re making a lifesaving connection, and the impact is significant—lives are changed.
Currently, there are 150,000 open appointments with Canadian Blood Services that need to be filled throughout the summer, which is a particularly difficult time for maintaining an ideal blood and plasma supply.
Thankfully, rolling up your sleeves comes with some surprising health benefits—and we’ve rounded up just a few of them:
1. You could be saving a life
The components of even one blood donation can help several different patients—you could even save someone’s life!
When you donate, not only could you save a life, you could change so many more. Your support can impact the patient, their family, community—even the entire country. You won’t just make a difference, you’ll make all the difference.
On average, every 60 seconds someone in Canada needs blood. And though you could save a life, blood and blood products are not just for emergencies; many people with various health conditions require regular transfusion therapy.
2. You’ll learn your blood type!
One of the steps in signing up to donate blood or plasma is learning your blood type, which can be crucial for the many patients in need.
For example, donors with the O-negative blood type are critical in emergencies and frequently in demand. You might even find out you have a rare blood type that’s just the right match for a patient with special transfusion needs.
3. All of the happy feelings
Often, people donate because it feels good to help others.
Volunteering your time as well as donating much-needed blood and plasma is something to feel good about—knowing you’re making a positive impact on someone’s life is priceless.
4. The more the merrier
Looking for a free activity you can do with family and friends? Sign up to donate blood!
If a single blood donation can make a lifesaving difference to someone in need, imagine the impact you can have when you work together as a team to support Canada’s Lifeline.
5. Don’t forget the treats
The cherry.. or the crumb on top? Donating bloods means snacks, of course!
From cookies to chips, Canadian Blood Services is happy to provide you with the treats to keep you going after your donation—after all, you have to keep those glucose levels up!
Staying hydrated is also vital because water is one of the most important components of blood, so they will provide drinks, as well.
If you have any further questions about your eligibility to donate blood, call 1-888-2-DONATE for more information.
You can also visit Canadian Blood Services online to take a simple 2-minute eligibility quiz!
Click here to make an appointment and make a difference in someone’s life today.
You can also download the GiveBlood app for Apple and Android!
It can be used to find a donor centre, book a time and day, track your bleed time, levels after donating or even help you with reminders of when you are eligible again to donate.
Canadian Blood Services, Victoria Donor Centre
- Where: 3449 Saanich Road
- When:
- Tuesday – 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Wednesday – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Thursday – 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday – 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sunday & Monday – Closed
- Book an appointment: Head online to see if you’re eligible and book your spot today!
