Canadian Blood Services in London is in dire need of blood donations following many weeks of harsh winter weather.
Territory Manager Kristen Ungar said more than 230 blood donors are strongly needed at the London donation clinic before January 27.
"We're looking for hundreds of donors to come in to make up our collection quotas to supply hospitals with the blood they need," she said. "230 blood donors means 230 units of blood, which is a significant amount."
Ungar said heavy snowfall and excessively cold temperatures have contributed to the lack of donations, including a number of regular donors may not be able to honour their appointments.
"Collecting blood in the colder winter months is challenging because of the weather. People tend to stay indoors," she said. "This year has been rough because the weather is worse compared to last year... previous years have been tough, but this year has been significantly tougher."
Canadian Blood Services is asking everyone in London, especially new donors, who are eligible to give blood to stop in as soon as possible.
"We've got an ageing donor base, so we want to make sure we have new donors coming in the door to make up for the ones that are ageing," said Ungar. "Blood is always needed for surgeries, for traumas and different things like that... we need it on a constant basis."
Anyone who would like more information about how to donate blood in London, CLICK HERE.
