Blood donor clinic set for Boxing Day

Staff at Canadian Blood Services are encouraging residents to give a free gift this season that could help save lives.

Blood donations are greatly needed over winter months, especially during the holiday season.

The Peterborough Blood Donor Clinic has more than 370 appointment spots to fill between Tuesday and Dec. 29.

Collecting blood during the winter can be challenging because cold weather often tends to keep people indoors. Many donors are away for the season, too.

Although collection slows down over the holidays, the need for blood does not. Long-term care patients and collision victims continue to need a steady stream of blood products.

“Hospitals don’t take a break over the holidays and neither do we,” said Andra Stancu, territory manager for Peterborough’s clinic.

Canadian Blood Services (CBS) manages the national supply of blood, blood products, stem cells and related services for the majority of Canada.

Donors are particularly needed over the holidays to make sure the national inventory is able to keep up with hospital demand.

The city’s clinic on George St. is encouraging residents to donate on Saturday and Tuesday, two key days when donors are low.

It’s open every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon.

On Tuesday, Boxing Day, the clinic has adjusted its hours so that people can spend time with their family and friends at night. The clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., instead of 3 to 7 p.m.

However, Stancu encourages friends and family to donate together Boxing Day.

“It’s an hour of your day that you could spend with someone who matters to you. You also get to help some patients who really depend on you as well,” she said.

The entire process takes about an hour, but collection takes as little as five to 10 minutes. During that time, about 500 millilitres of blood is collected (the amount of a small water bottle).

It’s then separated into three components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma, which can help three patients.

“It’s so positive and so meaningful for five minutes of your time,” she said

Stancu suggests eating a big meal before donating to stay strong throughout the process and for a quicker recovery. Drink lots of water, too.

CBS’s slogan aptly states that blood is in you to give, Stancu said. And what better time to give back than the holidays.

“It’s a free gift that helps so many.”

NOTE: To book an appointment, call 1-888-236-6283, visit www.blood.ca or download the Give-Blood app from the App Store or Google Play. Walk-ins are also welcome.