June, 2007 - Seventeen million Canadians' lives have been touched, through blood donation, by people they have never met or had the opportunity to thank. Because of the kindness of blood donors in Canada, lives are saved every day. National Blood Donor Week runs from June 11 to 16 and offers an opportunity for the 52 per cent of Canadians who have required blood or blood products for themselves or a family member to thank the 400 thousand Canadians who donated last year.

As part of the week-long celebrations, June 14 is marked as World Blood Donor Day and this year Canadian Blood Services is honoured to be hosting the world in Ottawa, while celebrating various ways throughout the week across the country. June 14 is the day when 192 World Health Organization members and over 200 voluntary blood donor organizations recognize the selfless act of blood, plasma, platelet and bone marrow donation.

"Our community plays a big part in ensuring there are blood products available," said Renee Naiman, Regional Director, Canadian Blood Services "Because of the generosity of these donors recipients in the region will be able to live life's most precious moments. This week of celebrations presents a chance for people to thank our selfless donors continually take time out of busy schedules to save the lives of others."

The need for blood continues to grow, year after year. Canadian Blood Services needs to recruit 85,000 (15,000 in Ontario) new donors this year to help meet patient demand across Canada.

Local clinic:

Thursday June 21st Innisfil Community Church, 1571 Innisfil Beach Road 4:30-7:30pm

For an appointment or more info. Please call 1- 888-2 DONATE