Canadian Blood Services is urging residents to donate blood, as unexpected wildfire and flooding events across the county have stopped many people from being able to take time to give blood, and inventory is reducing.

Territory Manager Lisa Beechinor says last week, CBS had to cancel over 300 appointments in the Kelowna area alone. There are 10,000 open appointments that needed to be filled by today (Tuesday) country-wide because of these factors, and 120 were in Saskatoon.

Beechinor says during the long weekend, donations slow down significantly. However, she states that a consistent income of blood is crucial, as every 60 seconds, someone in Canada needs it. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, she has noticed that people’s habits have changed, and regular donators have stopped booking appointments. She encourages people to spend an hour doing something that helps save numerous lives. Donated blood only has a 42-day shelf-life, therefor it is essential to keep collecting without interruptions as often as possible.

Appointments can be made on blood.ca, on the Give Blood app, or by calling 1-888-236-6283.