Local non-profit organization IMPACT 6/21 has partnered with Canadian Blood Services this week to host blood donation clinics at the Sudbury Blood Donor Clinic.
The partnership was a natural fit for both organizations, said Corrie Williamson, a member of IMPACT 6/21.
Williamson lost her teenage daughter Jazmine Houle on Father's Day 2009 when she was struck and killed by a drunk driver on the side of Highway 69 North in Hanmer.
Jazmine's friends Caitlin Jelley and Steven Philippe were also killed that day.
Williamson said a serious car crash victim can need up to 50 units of blood to help them recover.
“We feel Impact 6/21 can help encourage people to donate,” she said.
The partnership with Canadian Blood Services comes at a challenging time for the organization.
“Nationally and in Sudbury donations are down,” said Joanne Drake, the local territory manager for Canadian Blood Services. “The need is constant and doesn't just go away because it's Christmas time.”
Drake said the Sudbury Blood Donor Clinic has to fill 136 spots by the end of the week.
There are 66 openings on Friday, she added.
Anyone interested in donating blood can register online , although Drake said they'll also accept walk-ins this week due to the high need for donors.
The donor clinics with IMPACT 6/21 run from Tuesday to Friday.
The Sudbury Blood Donor Clinic is located 944 Barry Downe Rd. The clinics will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
