PENTICTON – With a blood donor clinic taking place in Penticton this week red has come to signify more than the Christmas season for many South Okanagan and Similkameen residents this year.

Canadian Blood Services held a two day clinic in Penticton earlier this week and turnout for holiday clinics can be hard to predict when the festive season and winter weather is factored in.

"Our need for donations is constant throughout the year. Sometimes at this time of year when people are busy with family and friends we do see our donations become a little more challenging because people are travelling or they’re busy with family. Penticton is no different when it comes to that,” Canadian Blood Services Territory Manager Gayle Voyer says.

Voyer notes all the blood service’s clinics can experience lower donations during the holiday season.

Voyer says the clinic is always looking for new donors.

“The biggest thing is for people who haven’t done it before, we ask them to come and give it a try,” Voyer says, adding seasoned donors could help by introducing a new donor to the process.

Canadian Blood Services bring their clinics to Penticton each month, alternating monthly for three days, then for two, like the one this week. They’ll be back for three days next month, Jan. 27 to 29, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Penticton Seniors Centre at 2965 South Main St.

Residents interested in donating are invited to take an eligibility quiz at the Canadian Blood Services website. Appointments can be booked online.

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