A local organization is hoping to encourage more people to donate blood on Canada Day with a new contest.
From July 1 to July 3, residents who visit the Canadian Blood Services donation centre at Silvercreek Parkway N. in Guelph will be entered into a draw for a chance to win up to $225 in gift cards to local businesses.
“One person is going to be walking away with all of that,” said Emma Willms, an event coordinator for Canadian Blood Services.
Willms explains her team came up with the idea as a way to thank those who choose to donate over the long weekend.
“We were really excited for this to be a way for folks to have an opportunity to give back by donating blood, while also taking the gift certificates and going out to support the local businesses,” she said.
Willms said the way the draw works is people who visit the donor centre will be given a QR code. The QR code is then scanned, entering them into the contest.
“Because not everyone is even eligible to donate blood, it’s not a requirement,” said Willms about the draw, “It’s just a requirement that you visit the donation centre.”
The draw will take place after July 3rd. Some businesses who contributed gift cards include Miijidaa Cafe + Bistro, Borealis Grille & Bar, the Wooly Pub, Scented Market and more.
Summer has historically been a slow time for donations, said Willms. Right now, only 50 per cent of appointments have been booked for Canada Day.
“We would like to see that number come up closer to the 90, 100 per cent booked,” she said about reaching their collection target for July 1.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing a lot of people cancelling their appointments before they come, so we’re really trying to urge people, remind them, of the importance of booking the appointment and keeping the appointment.”
With more elective surgeries resuming and people going out, the need for blood will continue to grow. Willms mentions donating blood is a safe and essential service which helps local patients get the blood they need.
“The demand is steadily, steadily increasing and we’re trying to urge anybody who is eligible to go out and donate,” said Willms.
“This is an extremely kind thing to do on a Canada Day long weekend.”
On July 1, the donor centre will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Those who are interested in donating blood will need to make an appointment ahead of time to allow the clinic to maintain physical distancing. To book an appointment, click here.
