Help make a difference in another person’s life today when you take part in the Canadian Blood Services donor drive in Strathmore.

This afternoon there will be a blood donation event held at the Strathmore Civic Centre.

We spoke with Lisa Castro, Territory Manager, Donor Relations & Collections PRN about the process.

“Like other organizations across Canada, the latest COVID-19 wave is challenging Canadian Blood Services like never before. Recent illnesses and isolation requirements coupled with the lifting of restrictions have really affected the donor attendance. These developments have put added pressure on Canada’s lifeline in order for us to meet demands,” she said.

Castro explained that there has been a decline in donations on a national level.

“We need that support from the community in order for us to maintain our blood supply, and to help ensure the national blood inventory is at an optimal level at all times, so new and returning donors are critical for meeting Canada needs now and in the future,” she said.

“We're really hoping that the Strathmore community can help us support this afternoon.”

According to Canadian Blood Services, one in two people in Canada are eligible to donate whole blood, plasma, and platelets, but only one in 81 does. Those regular, or active, donors provide necessary products for everyone else.

There’s nothing scary about giving blood, all together the process takes about less than an hour to complete.

“If you've never donated before and you're well and able to leave the home, first and foremost, you do need to book an appointment. We can only welcome people with appointments at this time and in many cases just as as today in Strathmore, you can do this same day, so book now on the GiveBlood app or at blood.ca,” she said.

Castro says, “In Strathmore, the community members have shown that in times of need, we show up to help each other and we help people we know and people we don't. People give a lot, because lives are depending on it.”

Canadian Blood Services will be at the Civic Centre from 3 to 8 p.m. today There are still a number of appointments available. Appointments are required during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To book an appointment download the GiveBlood app, call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283) or visit blood.ca.