There a push this Easter weekend to see more people across our region donate blood.

Vacant beds were all too common on Friday at Barrie’s blood donor clinic.

“We could have taken 40 people, we were hoping for 40 people, we could have taken that however there were only 16 booked,” says charge nurse Sue McLinden. “It’s very quiet here today.”

This is the second time Corisa McKee has rolled up her sleeve. She says she was shocked to see the place so empty.

“Last time I was here there were a lot more people and I was surprised when walked in here and there was no one in here. I thought I would be busier just because it is a holiday and people have the day off.”

People who work here say they tried to prepare for the potential drop-in donations.

“We were already in a signal before meaning that we were appealing to people to come in,” added McLinden.

Long weekend s frequently mean people are busy or out of town. But what most people don’t know is that this is when blood is often needed most. That prompted some the staff to pitch-in and help.

“I’m an O negative donor with the traveling on the long weekends, O negative is used for accident victims and that sort of thing so like to try and donate on the long weekend to get my O neg in there because it is often used,” says Petrina Mair.

Bill Greig has donated blood many times before – more than 200 times. Friday marked his 203rd donation.

“If I’m healthy enough to give then I’m hoping that others who are as healthy as I am will donate as well because people need this blood.”

If you want give blood this weekend there is still time – the Barrie clinic will be open Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon. Officials say they are hoping to collect 32 units of blood.