Richmond residents urged to give the gift that's inside all of us

If you’re completely stumped as to what charity should benefit from your generosity this Christmas, why not give the gift that’s inside you — blood.

On Boxing Day, the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is inviting Richmondites to show their support for hospital patients and blood donors by participating in the Wrap It Up Red Holiday Campaign.

As part of the push across B.C. and Canada for more blood donations, CBS will be hosting its clinic at Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Ave. on Friday, Dec. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A total of 91 appointments are open right now and CBS is asking the community show their appreciation and consider donating blood during the holiday season.

Richmondites and Canadians are also invited to get into the action by taking a photo or video of themselves wrapping something up in red, stating why they are supporting Canadian Blood Services this holiday season, and sharing it on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube using the hashtag #WrapItUpRed.

Collecting blood during the holiday season can be challenging for CBS as many of its donors are travelling or are busy with family activities. However, the need for blood and blood products is constant and every minute of every day someone in Canada needs blood.

To book an appointment to give someone a gift a life this Christmas, download the GiveBlood App, book an appointment online at blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283).