Despite a decent blood inventory, several donor clinics are being held over the Easter weekend to keep donations up.

Blood donor clinics rely on people like Pearl Young, who rolls up her sleeve to donate every two months

“I want to help,” says Young. “I don't like coming, I don't like the process, but if I can help someone save a life, then I’m here."

However, clinic staff hopes to see fresh faces this holiday weekend as well – faces like Danielle Muizelaar, who is donating for the first time.

"I read stats that said no one really donates blood on a long weekend, so I figured I had the time."

On Friday, a clinic in Barrie had only booked half the number of donors it usually sees; a trend at clinics right across our region.

"We are looking for more people to book appointments and come to clinics, particularly on the long weekends because we do tend to see a dip in appointments booked during the long weekends because people are busy with family and travel plans," says Sue Nash of Canadian Blood Services.

Officials say the national inventory of blood is at a good level, but if donations don’t continue that will change. 

"Blood only has a very short shelf life, 42 days and it has to be destroyed,” says Tina Belgum, a registered nurse. “The cells start breaking down if it's not used in that time, so we have to have a constant supply to meet the demands."

There are several blood donor clinics open this Easter long weekend right across the region including one at the RecPlex in Wasaga Beach on Saturday morning, and one at the Midland Mountainview Mall on Monday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.