OTTAWA, June 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Blood Donor Week is an opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to all donors and partners across the country for their commitment, agility and lifesaving contributions to Canada’s Lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout the year.

The Canadian Blood Services (CBS) has announced its concern about the possibility of blood shortages as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, “particularly in light of the blood shortages already being reported in other countries affected by COVID-19”.

Islamic Relief Canada is urging Canadian Muslims across the country to donate blood to help prevent a national shortage of life-saving blood donations.

Canadian Blood Services are encouraged by the "fantastic" success of their two blood clinics with the Ottawa Muslim Association (OMA) and would like to build a mutually rewarding relationship with the Muslim community, Community Development Coordinator Glen Crowe says.