The Sirens for Life blood donor challenge has shifted into high gear as the friendly competition with the life-saving goal heats up for the final month of the campaign.  

The annual summer blood drive challenges EMS, police, fire personnel and their supporters to donate the most blood each year.  

Sirens for Life began July 1 and runs to August 31 at all blood donor clinics throughout central Ontario The goal this year is 2,000 units of blood.

"We need our regular dedicated donors to attend clinics during the summer as well," says Marg Gow, Community Development Coordinator, Canadian Blood Services. "However, we are looking for a lot of first time donors as well."

"We need 90,000 new blood donors this year, but it can be difficult during the summer months when trauma may increase with more travel and boating and donations can decrease with many donors on vacation," says Gow. "This year Sirens for Life supporters are vital to helping us meet the 901,000 units of blood we will need in order to meet the  two per cent increase in hospital demand this year."

Gow says over the next several weeks she expects that hospitals will need more blood than they currently expect to collect. "There are several opportunities to donate in August.  If you can spare about one hour of your time, we would love to see you at a clinic," she said.

To book an appointment or for eligibility information please call 1-888-236-6283. Please honor your appointment. During February and March over 45,000 Canadians across Canada failed to show up for their booked appointment to donate blood. Patients are depending on you!

Please plan to attend one of these upcoming Blood Donor Clinics:

Collingwood Legion: Wednesday August 13: 2 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Elmvale Community Hall: Queen Street: Elmvale: Saturday August 16: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

St Patrick Roman Catholic Church: Stayner: Thursday August 28; 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.