The reality is, there is a small group of dedicated donors filling hospital blood banks. “People tend to think ‘someone else will do it’. “We know Canadians are generous people, however there are simply not enough folks donating blood and blood products regularly,” says Ron Vezina, Canadian Blood Services vice-president of public affairs. More than 100,000 new blood and plasma donors are needed every year to meet ongoing patient needs. 'Their generosity will make all the difference for local patients,' the agency said.

The Shine a Light campaign is running now and through National Blood Donor Week, June 11 to 17, to encourage people to begin donating on a regular basis. 'This small group of dedicated donors continues to sustain the national blood system, but more are needed to grow the donor base and help keep 'Canada’s Lifeline' strong.'

'Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve seen Canada’s donor participation rate drop from just under four per cent of the eligible population to under two per cent,' the agency said in a news release.

Canadian Blood Services is rallying people across the country to shine a light on the need for new blood and plasma donors to help sustain the national blood system.

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