‘We have a huge need': Canadian Blood Services urges donors to book over long weekend
Canadian Blood Services on Wharncliffe Road South in London, Ont. on June 27, 2025. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London)
As Canadians gear up for the Canada Day long weekend, Canadian Blood Services is reminding the public there's still time and still a pressing need to donate blood.
Clinics, including the donor centre on Wharncliffe Road South in London, will remain open on July 1. Appointments are available throughout the weekend.
'We have a huge need for donors during the summer months,' said Marisa Gatfield of Canadian Blood Services.
'We find that donors are busy with vacations, enjoying family time with nice weather.'
The need for blood doesn't pause for holidays, and neither do clinics. Staff said the process is straightforward, even for first-time donors.
'When you come in to donate, make sure you bring a physical piece of government-issued ID, be well hydrated, have eaten and have a good night's sleep and the rest, leave to us and we'll walk you through the entire process,' explained Gatfield.
For many donors, giving blood is a meaningful routine.
'Easy, fast. And they are so welcoming and heartwarming,' said Maram Aalloulou.
'I love coming here every once in a while.'
John Davidson donates regularly to manage his hemochromatosis, a condition that results in too much iron in the blood.
'It brings my iron level down, and it's good for the blood centre,' he said.
Others, like Eric Peloquin, donate out of personal connection.
'I come to give blood because it makes me feel good,' he said.
'Over the years, members of my family and some friends needed blood transfusions.'
Then there are long-time donors like Bob Moynihan, who has donated weekly for 30 years.
'It started as a competition with a friend to try and catch him. He had more donations, and I got him,' Moynihan said with a laugh.
Canadian Blood Services says 75 per cent of donors view giving blood as part of their Canadian identity — a small act with life-saving impact.
To book an appointment, visit blood.ca, use the GiveBlood app, or call 1-888-2-DONATE.
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