Canadian Blood Services are encouraging people to donate as Christmas slowdowns put pressure on blood and plasma supplies.
Canadian Blood Services is asking Canadians to wrap up 2025 with a life-saving act by donating blood or plasma during the final two weeks of December.
The organization says donations typically drop at this time of year as people focus on holiday travel, gatherings and statutory holidays. At the same time, hospitals across the country continue to rely on a steady supply of blood and plasma every day. Community development manager Debbi Barfoot says the holiday season can be a challenging time for donations.
Many people may not realize donor centres remain open during the holidays, including in Kingston. Canadian Blood Services says keeping appointments filled during this period is critical to supporting patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment and emergency care.
Whole blood can be stored for up to 42 days, but platelets have a much shorter shelf life of just five to seven days. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help stop bleeding by forming clots and are essential for patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgery or trauma care.
The Kingston Donor Centre, located at 850 Gardiners Road, will be open on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., as well as on Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Barfoot says people can start donating at age 17, with no upper age limit. After donating blood, men can donate again after 56 days, while women must wait 84 days.
Canadian Blood Services is also encouraging people to donate as a group. Officials say many first-time donors often book an appointment with someone they know, turning a holiday gathering into a meaningful shared experience.
Barfoot adds that donating with a group can make the experience feel less intimidating.
Donors are reminded that whether they give alone or with others, their contribution directly helps patients across Canada. Appointments can be booked at blood.ca, through the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1-888-236-6283.
Story by Alyssa Brush
