During the summer, many of the usual donors to campus blood clinics are away from campus, but the need remains.

In fact, the mid-week occurrence of Canada Day lowered appointments and raised cancellations across the country, says Mark Donnison, Canadian Blood Services’ vice-president of donor relations.

The agency needs to fill 30,000 appointments every week to meet the demand for blood. More fatalities occur on Canadian roads during the summer months than any other time of year, and it can take up to 50 donors to help save the life of someone in a car crash.

That’s why organizers are hoping for a large turnout at the agency’s public clinic, Tuesday, July 8, in the CAW Student Centre. The donor clinic runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ambassador Auditorium. Walk-in donors are welcome, but appointments will better accommodate donors’ working schedules. To book an appointment, call 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

As with previous clinics, the Department of Human Resources encourages all eligible employees to participate in this worthwhile process and asks any employees who wish to donate to make the necessary arrangements with their supervisors regarding the possibility of extended lunch or break periods.