'We can give the gift of life': B.C. cancer survivor donates blood amid Canadian shortage

Canadian Blood Services is calling on the country to help double the number of donations this winter.

On Tuesday, in the spirit of the season of giving, dozens of British Columbians kicked off Christmas Eve by donating blood as part of the 450 Challenge in Vancouver.

According to the organization, there are about 230 new donors a day on average across the country right now, and the demand for blood and plasma needs to reach 450 to meet the growing demand.

Alvin Chin arrived at the Oak Street location on Tuesday morning eager to donate for the 28th time after years of being sidelined.

Chin was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in November 2022 when doctors discovered he had a tumor in his nasal cavity. By January 2023, he started his three months of radiation and chemotherapy.

“It really takes a toll on you physically and mentally,” said Chin.

In the fall of 2023, Chin learned that he was cancer-free after a series of challenging treatments. Since then, he has remained in remission, with all follow-up checkups showing clear results.

Over that difficult stretch, Chin says he gained a new perspective on life and is now looking to give back in any way he can.

“I’ll let Santa take care of the presents, but we can give the gift of life,” said Chin, sitting in the donor chair.

Canadian Blood Service is searching for new donors, which sparked Chin to bring his mother, Wendy, who donated blood for the first time.

The organization says the next few months are typically challenging in attracting donors, which is why it is urging eligible people to come out and support their fellow Canadians.