Severe winter weather causes dip in blood, plasma donations

The Canadian Blood Services building in Ottawa is pictured in this Feb. 20, 2025 image. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

Canadian Blood Services is asking donors to roll up their sleeves after the recent winter storms caused donation appointments to be cancelled.

“New and returning donors are encouraged to put down the shovel and lend their arm to donate blood or plasma instead,” Canadian Blood Services said in a press release.

Ottawa was hit with nearly 70 centimetres of snow last week in two back-to-back storms.

“Winter storms continue to create havoc across the country, including the city of Ottawa. In many parts of the country, heavy snowfall, ice storms and extreme cold have resulted in hundreds of cancelled donation appointments. These cancellations can make it challenging to keep the supply of blood products at optimal levels,” Canadian Blood Services said.

The organization says every day it needs 450 new donors across Canada.

Open appointments to donate are available in Ottawa at 1575 Carling Ave., and 110 Place d’Orléans Dr.

You can book on blood.ca, use the GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).