Canadian Blood Services calling for holiday donations

Canadian Blood Services is calling for donations again, reminding donations are needed year-round. CTV Windsor’s Stefanie Masotti reports.

Canadian Blood Services is calling for holiday blood donations as many begin their break.

A local recipient of plasma donations is backing the request.

“I don’t produce enough to keep my immune system going,” said Sabrina Cannella, who receives the donations.

“I receive IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) from a whole bunch of donors and every four weeks, I get an immune system in a bottle, and it helps me to fight.”

Cannella is one of many Canadians who needs donations. The community is encouraged to donate and help others live ‘normal’ lives.

“I come every couple of weeks,” said Holly Dougall, who has donated 26 times.

“Someone near and dear to me receives blood products on a regular basis. It’s a nice way to give without necessarily having to make a financial contribution.”

The Canadian Blood Services said that Windsorites always steps up when it is in need.

“This is one of our best weeks ever,” said Greg Friest, Canadian Blood Services.

“We’re at 300 plus appointments. We’re just asking the public if you’re off and you’re able to come donate, please, please come see us. And it’s a way to give back that doesn’t cost you anything.”

Despite having lots of appointments, more donations are still needed, especially year-round.

“We’re looking for one million new donors in the next five years,” Friest said.

“That’s because of our aging and growing population. We encourage people to come out in groups. You’ll walk out of here; you’ll experience what you get when you give and you’ll feel good.”