MUSKOKA, ON – The Canadian Blood Services is asking the public to give the gift of life this holiday season.
Elaine St. Pierre is the blood donor territory manager for the organization and said the upcoming season is time to cherish special moments with friends and family.
“I’m thankful for our donors, for being a vital connection in Canada’s lifeline,” St. Pierre said. “And I’m thankful for friends like you in the community for encouraging others to join in building a stronger and healthier Canada.”
There will be several chances for Muskoka residents to help out starting this Saturday. There will be a blood donor clinic at the Summit Centre in Huntsville from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone who can’t make it will have a second chance as the organization returns to town one month later on December 23. That clinic will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Faith Baptist Church.
St. Pierre specifically wanted to point out a special Christmas Eve blood drive in Gravenhurst and said Canadian Blood Services has to compete with other charities for the public’s attention, time and donations.
“The need for blood is constant, even during the holiday season,” St. Pierre said. “Cancer treatments, trauma surgeries, and organ transplants all routinely take place between Christmas and New Year’s Day.”
The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the YMCA.
Bracebridge residents will have to wait until after Christmas to give locally. A clinic will be set up at the Sportsplex on December 30 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.