Canadian Blood Services makes new appeal for summer donations

It's still in you to give.

Despite an increase in donations of the past few weeks, Canadian Blood Services is askingMetro Vancouver residents to give blood.

In April, the agency made a national appeal for200,000 donations byJuly. And while thousands of peoplehave already donated,the agency isonly halfway to itsgoal with only seven weeks left until the busy summer season begins.

"We are pleased by the response we've seen from many returning and new blood donors, but we still need others to get involved," saidDavid Patterson, director of donor relations in the B.C. and Yukon region.

"It's very important for Canadians to do their best to keep their blood donation appointments, and even bring a friend or family member to donate, too."

Metro Vancouver residents can donatebloodat one of the following permanent clinic locations:

• Oak StreetBloodDonor Clinic, 4750 Oak Street, which is openMondaytoFridayfrom11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• DowntownBloodDonor Clinic, #200-888 Dunsmuir Street, which is closed on Victoria Day (May 23) but otherwise openMondaytoWednesdayfrom8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• SurreyBloodDonor Clinic, 15285 101 Avenue, which is openWednesdaytoFridayfrom1 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.