Canadian Blood Services has a live blood supply inventory viewable on its website. Potential donors are able to view how many days worth of supply are available in Canada for any given blood type. When the supply dips below 10 days, the need for that blood type is critical.
As of today (Jan. 9) the current supply of B-, O+, and O- won't last a week.
Every year, Rain or Shine Ice Cream partners with Canadian Blood Services to incentivize people to donate - a pint for a pint.
Prospective donors can visit the UBC, Kitsilano, or Cambie Street locations to pick up a donor card while supplies last and then bring it back verified on Jan. 31, after donating, to receive a free pint of ice cream.
Collection is only valid on Jan. 31 and you must bring the card back to the location you picked it up from.
There are four clinics in Vancouver with available appointments but people can find other donor centres and appointment times here.
Rain or Shine, a family-run business known for its locally-made ice cream, has explained in the past that the initiative began six years ago when their friend’s young daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. They have said that blood is always needed and they hope to encourage more first-time donors to help.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross
