Canadian Blood Services is putting out an urgent plea as blood and plasma donations have fell short by about 1,500 this holiday season.

The organization says the shortfall represents about 10% of expected collections and winter weather is threatening the national blood supply.

Officials stress that several blood types remain far below optimal, highlighting a “critical need” for O-negative blood, the universal type.

The massive ‘weather bomb’ that created challenges, winter warnings and advisories across Ontario and the country forced people to stay home and the result led to many cancellations of would-be donations.

Canadian Blood Services is urging anyone in our area headed to Winnipeg to book an appointment as soon as possible to help restore and grow the blood and plasma supply for patients.