Dorothy 'Dottie' North wanted to make her 80th blood donation something to celebrate.

However, her birthday came first, so she decided to celebrate her 65th birthday by gathering friends and family to help give 65 donations to Canadian Blood Services instead. 

For years North has been a steady and proud donor and says her family is well acquainted with her dedication so it was easy to get them on board. 

"I was hoping to celebrate my 80th donation today but it's only going to be 78 so I thought I should do something else. It's my birthday, 65 is a milestone, and it's Christmas. Everyone's busy so I knew there wouldn't be anything going on with the family so I could do my own birthday and I decided to do it here," she explained. 

"I was kidding with the girls here way back in January and I said, "Well maybe I'll have my party here," and they said, "Do it!" so that sort of planted the seed and it just sort of grew."

After a few emails back and forth with staff members, the party was set.

North rallied family members and friends - even a few first-timers - and on Dec. 19th, they gathered throughout the afternoon at the Red Deer donation centre. 

"My sister had a few surgeries when she was younger, and it seemed every time that she needed a few units of blood. She was trying to donate it back and was having a hard time getting to do that. She was worried about getting it all back and I said, "Don't worry about it, sis. I'll take care of it."

North says she hopes people at least try donating once, even if they think they aren't eligible or they are scared of the process.

"It takes about five minutes, and you could be saving lives."

"During the holiday season, people are busy with their family and friends and travelling, so we really like to highlight the importance of not only booking the appointment, but also actually keeping those appointments," said Marissa Stryker, Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services, Red Deer.

"The need for blood takes a holiday. We still need local donors coming in to support local patients. 

More than 300 donors are needed in Red Deer to help fill open appointments by Jan. 5, 2020. North said she wants to encourage new and returning donors to help fill those spots. 

Canadian Blood Services says that donations at this time are essential to collect platelets, a vital blood component with a short expiry of seven days. Patients who live with cancer and blood disorders are in high need of platelets for treatment. 

To donate, call 1-888-2-Donate (1-888-236-6283). The Red Deer donation centre says they are able to book in large groups like North's and hope people will schedule appointments through the holidays or come in for walk-in donations.