Winnipeg donors flock to blood drive pop-up: ‘It gives you a good feeling’
Posted October 1, 2026 5:24 pm.
The “constant need” is the reason Andrew Dyck keeps donating blood.
Dyck was among the 80 people to sign up for one of the 100 appointment slots at Thursday’s blood drive pop-up in Winnipeg.
“If you watch the ads and you know there’s accidents and people that are sick that need help and this is a way to go out, you give a bit of blood, you have some drinks and some chips and you go on with your day and you’re helping other people,” Dyck said.
Betsy Troutt, who has now donated blood 64 times with Canadian Blood Services, says everyone should think about donating.
“When you come to donate blood, everybody is really nice and very appreciative, and it gives you a good feeling.
“I hope others would donate blood if I need it.”
Daniel Alverez says pop-up blood drives make donating easier than ever.
“Why not, it barely takes any time,” Alvarez said. “These pop-ups are great. They’re close to a lot of peoples’ homes, if you’re able to go during the day. So I think it’s fantastic.
“It’s just so important.”
Earlier this year, Canadian Blood Services reported that blood supply had decreased by nearly 20 per cent. Now, the organization says Canadians have really stepped up.
“Since the call had gone out for donors to come and donate, we’ve seen about a 50 per cent increase there,” said Divyaprabha Chandiran, the organization’s community development manager for Manitoba.
“Thank you to everyone who came through our doors to donate throughout the nation, but the need for blood never stops”
The next pop-up Winnipeg blood drive will be held Friday at the University of Winnipeg.
