Canadian Blood Services is hosting three days of blood donation clinics at the Parksville Community Centre from Dec. 17 to Dec. 19.
The clinics run from 12 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on all three days.
Every 60 seconds someone in Canada needs blood, according to Canadian Blood Services.
“The demand for blood never stops. Giving blood is one of the most direct ways you can help someone. The supply of blood and blood products to patients in Canadian hospitals depends on voluntary donations made by healthy people,” said Marcelo Dominguez, a communications representative with Canadian Blood Services.
Donating becomes especially important over the holiday season, as many people who might regularly donate are busy with other obligations.
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Dominguez says that 100,000 new donors are needed this year to keep up with demand, as currently less than four per cent of eligible donors sustain the blood donation system for all Canadians.
If you’ve never donated before, Dominguez says it’s not as bad as you may imagine.
“Most of our donors say they rarely feel the small, silicone coated needle used by Canadian Blood Services and expertly inserted by our professionals. It’s a safe, single use, sterile needle and it’s only in your arm between five and eight minutes. Some people say it’s just a poke and, in that time, you can save multiple lives,” said Dominguez.
Any residents interested in donating can head to www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE.