Canadian Blood Services encourages residents to help ensure hospital patients receive the gift of life.

Brampton - Canadian Blood Services is asking Canadians to remember the quote by Mark Twain this holiday season; "to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with". It is a fact that 1 in 2 Canadians have been touched by the need for blood or blood products, and this year we need the help of all Canadians to make sure those in need receive the blood and blood products they require. According to Ipsos Reid, over 70% of Canadians would rather have less emphasis put on gift giving during the holiday season. This is why Canadian Blood Services is asking Brampton residents to bring in a friend or family member to their local blood donor clinic so they can give the best gift of all – a life.

Canadian Blood Services is asking the people of Brampton to make blood donation an important part of their holiday season activities from December 3 to January 4, 2008.During this campaign, donors can fill out cards to give to those who have never donated, encouraging them to make a life-saving commitment over the holidays as well.

Caryna Wilding, Clinic Recruitment Coordinator for Canadian Blood Services says, "The holiday season is a perfect time to share one's health and vitality with those in need and why not do that with a friend?" She adds, "Blood is a meaningful gift that allows Canadians to acknowledge their love and respect for their friends and family and help others in need.The cost is free and the benefits are immeasurable."

This year, Canadian Blood Services estimates it will need to collect 84,500 red blood cells, plasma or platelet donations nationally between December 3 and January 4 to help meet hospital needs. In Central Ontario, at the end of the holiday season, Canadian Blood Services anticipates hospital need for blood and blood products will have outstripped blood donations during the same time by over 30 percent (almost 4,000 units). During Christmas week, the estimated gap between anticipated hospital need and blood donations received is almost 40 per cent.

Brampton Holiday Blood Donor Clinics:

Saturday, December 15, 2007
Chinguacousy Wellness Centre
995 Peter Robertson Blvd.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Monday, December 17, 2007
Bramalea Baptist Church
9050 Dixie Road
2:00 – 8:00 pm

Monday, December 24, 2007
Holiday Inn Select
30 Peel Centre Drive
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Thursday, December 27, 2007
Rose Theatre
1 Theatre Lane
4:30 – 7:30 pm

Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Bramalea Lions Hall
45 Avondale Blvd.
3:30 – 8:00 pm

Thursday, January 3, 2008
Loafer's Lake Recreation Centre
30 Loafer's Lake Lane
2:00 – 7:30 pm