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350 blood donation appointments need to be filled in Guelph over the holidays

Around 350 blood donation appointments need to be filled in Guelph from Boxing Day to the beginning of January. Matt Carty / CJOY News

There is an urgent need for blood in Guelph heading into the holidays and 350 appointments need to be filled between Boxing Day and the first couple weeks of January, Canadian Blood Services in Guelph says.

Emma Willms, event co-ordinator for the organization, said a lot of regular donors do not book appointments or keep them and they don’t see new donors this time of year because they are just too busy.

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READ MORE: Nearly 2,000 blood donations needed in Edmonton over the holidays

“Unfortunately, the need for blood does not take a holiday,” she said. “We really do rely on our regular donors as well as new donors coming in over the holiday period to ensure there is enough blood for patients in need.”

Willms said their inventory of O negative blood, the universal blood type, is low but added all blood types are always needed. She said with the urgent need, blood donations are being used within a few days.

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The clinic is closed on Christmas Day but will be open on Boxing Day.

“We are open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Boxing Day and there is a huge need that day,” Willms said.

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