Canadian Blood Services launches Christmas campaign

Canadian Blood Services is asking people to take time out of their busy holiday schedules to roll up their sleeves.

The organization, which launched its Holiday Miracle Campaign earlier this week, said it can be a challenge to meet collection needs during this time of year.

Through this initiative, Canadian Blood Services hopes to collect 3,000 pints of blood in Newfoundland and Labrador by the end of 2012.

It's estimated that one pint of blood, and the products derived from it, is enough to save three lives.

One life that's been saved is that of Olivia Reardon. The three-year-old from Conception Bay South has Pearson's Syndrome, and has required regular transfusions for the past two years.

Olivia's mother, Colleen Kennedy, said Olivia couldn't have survived without the generosity of donors.

"Honestly, right now, without the help of the Canadian Blood Services, we truly and honestly would not be where we are today," she said.

Paul McGrath, the regional communications manager with Canadian Blood Services, said with the Holiday Miracle Campaign, not only can you donate blood, but you can dedicate your donation to someone.

"Our holiday campaign this year is focused on the theme of the miracle, because blood donation truly is a miracle for hospital patients in need," he said.

Without blood donations to the Canadian Blood Services, McGrath said the country's blood supply would dry up in five days.