Christmas is a time of giving. Giving gifts to our family and loved ones brings us joy and happiness over the holiday season. It is also the time of year when charities begin calling for donations and our pocketbooks begin to run on empty. This year, take a moment to consider giving the gift of life through blood donation. This donation won’t cost you a dime, and only takes 60 minutes of your time.
Each minute in Canada, someone needs blood. In fact, 52% of Canadians state that they or a family member has needed donated blood. Canadian Blood Services needs each of us to donate, and donate often. Here’s why. Each time you donate, you give one unit of blood. However, to save a life it takes more than one unit. In fact, it may take up to 50 units to save the life of someone who has been in a car accident. It takes 5 units of blood to save the life of someone receiving cancer treatment.
In addition to blood, specific blood products are also in demand. Plasma and platelet donors as well as stem cell donors are equally as important as blood donors. Platelets are responsible for helping the blood to clot. Patients with prolonged bleeding caused by certain diseases, including cancer, require platelets as part of their treatment.
This holidays, consider giving the gift of life by donating blood, platelets, plasma or stem cells. For more information and videos of the donation process visit www.blood.ca.
To make an appointment contact 1-800-2-DONATE.
