The Bermuda Blood Donor Centre has urged residents to give the gift of life as it faces a “critical shortage” of O positive blood.

Eyitayo Fakunle, the chief of pathology, said the need for donors was particularly important in advance of the holidays because two donation days are being lost this week and one next week.

He said: “To ensure we have adequate supplies, we are asking people to come and donate today and tomorrow.

“There can be unplanned medical reasons that supplies can run low, but in this week, we are susceptible to smaller unplanned usage as the amount of donation days is down and generally people are busy, so it's harder to get donors in.

“Please help us keep saving lives over the holiday season. If you want to help but haven’t donated before, we still welcome you.”

O positive donors are urged to call 236-5067, WhatsApp 533-9553, or just walk in.

The centre will remain open until 6pm tonight and be open regular hours tomorrow.