Give the gift of life this holiday season: Join the Days of Giving Campaign

This holiday season, as you shop for gifts and celebrate with loved ones, consider giving the most meaningful gift of all – the gift of life.

Canadian Blood Services is calling on the community to support their Days of Giving Campaign by donating blood at their Barrie location. Your donation can make a world of difference, especially during this challenging time of year.

Each year, Barrie welcomes over 1,000 new blood donors to help meet the growing demand in our region. However, with seasonal illnesses like colds and flu, as well as weather-related disruptions, cancellations are running high. This puts a strain on the supply of blood, making it more critical than ever for local donors to step forward.

From now until December 31st, you can make a significant impact by booking an appointment at the Barrie blood donation clinic. In return, you'll not only help ensure hospitals have the blood they need to save lives, but you'll also be entered to win a special prize. For each donation made during the Days of Giving, donors will receive a ballot for a chance to win exciting rewards, making it a win-win situation.

Giving blood is quick, safe, and easy – and most importantly, it can save lives. Whether you're a first-time donor or a regular giver, your participation in the Days of Giving can make a real difference in someone’s life.

First time blood donor?

Donating blood is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to give back to your community. If you've never donated blood before, it’s normal to have questions about the process and eligibility requirements. Here's a quick guide to get you started with Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

Am I eligible to donate?

Before donating, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• You are over 17 years old.
• You weigh more than 110 lbs.
• You have not had a tattoo or piercing in the last three months.
• You have not traveled outside Canada or the continental USA in the past 12 months (some exceptions apply).
• You have not been pregnant or had a baby in the last six months.
• You are not taking prescription medications that affect eligibility (check with CBS if unsure).
• You have not had dental surgery in the past 72 hours or a cleaning/filling in the last 24 hours.
• You have not resided in the UK, France, or Saudi Arabia (1980–1996) or Western Europe (1980–2007).

Final eligibility is determined at your appointment, so even if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to Canadian Blood Services.

The Blood Donation Process

To help you better understand what to expect, here is a brief overview of the donation process:

Before You Donate

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty foods.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Bring your government-issued ID or Canadian Blood Services donor card.

At the Donor Centre

1. Check-in and fill out a donor questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Complete a brief interview and hemoglobin test.
3. Drink 500 ml of water and have a salty snack provided by the staff.
4. Relax in a comfortable chair as approximately 450 ml (one unit) of blood is collected.

After You Donate

• A pressure bandage will be applied to your arm.
• Perform light muscle-tensing exercises to avoid dizziness.
• Stay for at least 15 minutes to rehydrate and enjoy a snack.

Make a Difference Today

Donating blood is a small act with a huge impact.

Ready to give it a try?

Visit blood.ca to check your eligibility and book your appointment today.