It may only be a couple of weeks into 2012, but many of us are probably already abandoning some of the ambitious self-improvement plans made amidst the excitement of the January 1 countdown.

But we know a great resolution that is very doable:  make a promise to donate blood this year.

Why? The need for blood and blood products is constant and you could save a life.

A donation of whole blood can benefit several recipients, as it is comprised of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. According to the Canadian Blood Services web site, some donations are held and transfused as whole blood, others are processed to separate red blood cells and plasma.

You never know what’s waiting for you around every corner. Life is full of uncertainties. And sometimes, the uncertainty of needing the gift of life – blood – may be knocking at your door.

For those of you who have been involved in a life-threatening accident or required a life-saving surgery, you know very well the importance of donating to Canadian Blood Services, a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec.

For those of us who haven’t had to rely on its services, there’s always a possibility that we may need to one day.

Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood, according to Canadian Blood Services. Many treatments and procedures require blood products from several donors.

A person who has been involved in a serious accident, for example, may require 50 units or 50 donations of blood, while a leukemia patient may require eight units a week.

According to a recent poll, 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment.

The good news is that one blood donation –  in just one hour – can save a life.

Canadian Blood Services operates 43 permanent collection sites and more than 20,000 donor clinics annually.  A permanent collection site is located at 1250 Brant Street in Burlington (at North Service Road). And donor clinics run regularly at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Hall in Waterdown; the next one is scheduled to take place on Friday, Feb. 17.

To donate, you must be at least 17 years of age, in general good health and feeling well on the day of your donation.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are accepted. Call 1-888-236-6283 to give the gift of life.