Along with your long weekend plans, Canadian Blood Services is hoping you'll make time to save a life.  

The busy Labour Day long weekend is a challenge, with a number of appointments that need to be filled as families get set for one last summer weekend before fall routines set in. 

Territory Manager for Red Deer and Central Alberta for Canadian Blood Services Shaun Richer says the demand for blood rises as people are out and about more often, which also leads to a shortage of donators. 

“We understand with summer, everybody does take holidays. And it’s even more pressing because of the long weekend; people are generally going to be out of town this weekend. So that’s why we’re just encouraging people to stop by before they head out, and to make an appointment.”

Richer reminds you there are some factors you need to consider if you are planning on giving blood.

“Tattoo’s and piercings are 6 months (wait). We encourage any donors if they have any questions to right on our website, which is blood.ca, and there is an eligibility quiz, that answers many of those common questions.”

You have a chance to give blood this weekend in Red Deer today and tomorrow at the Red Deer blood donor clinic, and on holiday Monday they will be in Stettler at the Community Centre from 3:30 until 7:30.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can go to blood.ca