Give the gift of blood this year

Canadian Blood Services is reminding people that giving blood is a recessionproof gift.

As the global economic crisis continues to wreak havoc around the world and talk of a recession grows louder, Canadians are becoming more concerned about their own financial security, but still want to find a way to help those in need.

Every year, the holiday season presents a challenge for blood collection as people are preoccupied with holiday festivities — but this year the financial uncertainty presents an even greater challenge.

Canadians are watching their retirement savings plunge, they're worried about keeping their jobs, making the mortgage payment and keeping up with the heating bills. All of this stress and financial uncertainty has people changing their spending habits.

Recent Ipsos Reid research found that 72 per cent of people polled are planning to cut back on their spending and live with less. The poll also found that 80 per cent of the population says it's going to get harder to find time and money to help charities. Canadians looking for a cost-effective, yet gratifying way to help others should consider giving blood. Ipsos Reid research found that 92 per cent of Canadian blood donors were glad to donate because it allows them to make a regular contribution to others, no matter what troubles are facing the economy and society.

All of this comes on the heels of Canadian Blood Services' call for help. On Oct. 29th, Canadian Blood Services announced that its emergency reserve of blood had been depleted by 40 per cent and put out an urgent request for blood. The response from Canadians was encouraging and blood inventories returned to optimal levels towards mid- November and we are meeting hospital demand. But current forecasts suggest that between Dec. 1st and Jan. 2nd, hospitals will need more blood than current appointment bookings suggest we'll collect.

Several local clinics will be set up over the next few days. St. John's Presbyterian Church, located on the 10th Sideroad of Bradford, will host a clinic today from 3 to 8 p.m.

On Thursday, Innisfil Community Church on Innisfil Beach Road will host a clinic from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.