Free slurpees are an added incentive for people in southern Manitoba this weekend to get out, give blood, and save a life.
"We always have a need for donors and long weekends especially because everyone's busy with a lot of plans," says Rayna Porter, the Community Development Manager with Canadian Blood Services in Winnipeg. "It can mean the routine of coming out for blood donation falls away. Any blood type is lovely and we're happy to have it."
7/11 is also supporting this initiative to have more blood donors and is generously offering free slurpees to every donor on September long.
Blood Services Hoping for More Ethnic Diversity
Within Canada's multicultural population, there is a wider need for blood that matches and helps the many ethnic cultures.
"Canada's Blood Services needs to reflect the population that we serve," says Porter. "Sometimes there are unique pieces to be seen in different communities. Our hope is to reach people from all backgrounds so they're able to participate in Canada's lifeline and to serve those who are currently awaiting support, because you may not match with someone unless they have the same ethnic background as you."
There are more factors when it comes to sharing donated blood than just the type.
"Most people are familiar with the O, A, B, and AB blood types and then if it's positive or negative. But there are other components to blood and in stem cells as well. We're looking for things specifically called HLA markers and that's very unique based on who you are. If you're someone on that stem cell waiting list, hoping for a donation, there's only a 25 per cent chance that somebody is a match for you in your immediate family."
For anyone looking to book an appointment for this week and weekend, they can do so here on Canadian Blood Services website. Or they can call 2-DONATE.
"We're incredibly grateful for anyone that stops by."