Canadian Blood Services is drawing attention to the critical need for over 100,000 new blood and plasma donors to meet the ongoing needs of patients.

Due to the pandemic, the donor participation rate in Canada has dropped from under 4 percent to below 2. To address this challenge, they are launching the Shine a Light campaign, urging people across the country to join in strengthening Canada’s Lifeline.

The campaign will span six weeks featuring activities nationwide, and will culminate on World Blood Donor Day by illuminating more than 60 landmarks throughout the country.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed. Individuals with less common blood types are particularly crucial, as finding a matched rare blood donor can be challenging in times of emergency transfusions.

To become one of the much-needed 100,000 new donors, individuals can download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca, or call 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to book an appointment.