Prince George, BC – As city residents prepare to celebrate Canada Day in the park, or make their way out to area lakes, Canadian Blood Services is urging donors to come forward prior to next Tuesday's holiday.

"With the holiday falling mid-week this year, we're seeing fewer appointments booked and a higher number of cancellations around Canada," says VP of Donor Relations, Mark Donnison.  "This is particularly challenging because many regular donors are planning to take an extra-long weekend."

Donnison is urging first-time donors to make a donation before the holiday.  All blood donors are needed, but particularly those with type O and A blood.

Canadian Blood Services is forecasting it will need almost 30-thousand appointments each week during the summer months to meet demand.  Right now, there are more than 7500 appointments available across the country between now and July 5th.

To book an appointment, you can download the GiveBlood app, visit www.blood.ca, or call 1-888-2-DONATE.