With Remembrance Day services gone virtual, it may be difficult to decide just what to do with your Remembrance Day. Thankfully, Canadian Blood Services is keeping their doors open so people can give the gift of life.

“We have always been open on Remembrance Day.  The whole bit from us is that the need for blood never takes a rest,” said Marissa Stryker, Territory Manager for Central Alberta with Canadian Blood Services.

Stryker says veterans and those in service have always been strong donors.

“Members of the armed forces are among the most generous donors. The Department of National Defense first partnered with Canadian blood services all the way back in 2006. Today, they have donated over 45,000 units of blood and as far as thousands more to become regular donors,” explained Stryker.

Additionally, Canadian Blood Services is offering a feel good promotion to help encourage more donors.

“We have a cool initiative with them and the Department of National Defense that we're handing out these granola bars to take one and ‘kind one.’ So, you get two granola bars and pass one on,” added Stryker.

With some surgeries resuming, the need for blood is increasing as more procedures previously put on hold are now back in action. Stryker says clinics are clean and it’s very safe to give blood at this time.

“We have enhanced cleaning so the frequency has been increased for all equipment services and we continue to review our cleaning products to ensure that they effectively kill viruses on a variety of surfaces. Of course, we have personal protective equipment and we are mask-mandatory for all employees, volunteers, and donors,” said Stryker.

Canadian Blood Services clinics are no longer taking walk-in appointments to manage crowds at the clinics. You can book an appointment online or by calling 1-888-236-6283.

Stryker says the next blood clinic in Lacombe on November 16th is already filled but the Red Deer Clinics are always in need a bit of extra blood.