Red Deerians are being reminded to give blood this summer.
The Canadian Blood Services’ Lisa Castro said about 500 appointments still need to be filled in July.
“We really encourage more people to become regular donors. Over the month of August in Red Deer, we’re in need of over 1,000 blood donors to support our donor clinic,” said Castro.
More than 100 appointments during the August long weekend were still open Friday.
“Right now, less than four per cent of eligible donors are sustaining the blood system for all Canadians.”
She said during summer holidays, regular donors may not be available. But it’s easy for new donors to book appointments, by downloading the Give Blood app, calling 1-888-2-donate, booking online at blood.ca, or visiting the clinic as a walk-in donor.
“To keep up with demand over the next year, Canada needs to bring in over 100,000 new blood donors,” she said.