Canadian Blood Services putting out call for donors for Canada Day
Canadian Blood Services is calling for donations, which are desperately needed ahead of a major long weekend.
With Canada Day approaching, staff at Barrie's branch are imploring the community to roll up their sleeves and potentially help save a life. With eligibility questionnaires able to be filled out from home, an effort is being made to make the process as simple as possible.
- Download the CTV News app for local weather alerts
- Get the latest significant weather updates sent to your email
"This week is a fantastic time for Canadian Blood Services because we get to thank the donors, and we're doing this by shouting out to them how wonderful they are," said Cheryl Russell, a community development manager.
On Thursday, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall joined members of the CTV News Barrie team for what would have been his first donation. Nuttall was born in England during a time when people were ineligible to donate due to a precautionary measure during the 'mad cow' outbreak.
However, those restrictions were lifted in December 2023, making Nuttall one of thousands of new people eligible to donate for the first time.
However, with strict criteria in place, other complications prevented the mayor from making his first donation on Thursday.
"I didn't think I was actually able to give blood in Canada, but through some changes, I am able to," Nuttall said. "I've come in, I've completed my quiz and questionnaire and this time next year, I'll be able to partake in giving blood and helping others who need it."
With Canada Day approaching, a mobile clinic will be held in Shelburne on Mon. July 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Centre Dufferin Rec Complex.
Currently, just 5 per cent of available slots have been booked.
"Make sure you know your eligibility," said Russell. "Eligibility restrictions evolve and change all the time at Canadian Blood Services."
For information on how to book an appointment, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.
Montreal man dead after boat explodes in Fort Lauderdale
A Montreal man is dead and several others are injured after a boat exploded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What is Christmas like for Quebec health-care workers who stay on the job?
Most Quebecers get together with family and friends on Christmas Eve, but many professions require people to remain on the job at all times, including health-care workers.
Second storm incoming for Christmas Day in southern B.C.
Environment Canada has issued a new series of weather warnings for British Columbia’s south coast Christmas morning.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back to September
A man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida won't be tried until September 2025, a federal judge ruled this week.
Pope urges 'all people of all nations' to silence arms and overcome divisions in Christmas address
Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged 'all people of all nations' to find courage during this Holy Year 'to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions' plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia.
Read Trudeau's Christmas message
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full.