Canadian Blood Services is asking British Columbians to roll up their sleeves this holiday season and donate.

The organization says collecting blood during the holiday season is a challenge and the shortage alone in BC is tremendous.

"Throughout the whole nation we need about 98,000 blood donors to come in between December 1st and January 2nd and in BC that translates to about 14,000, but the immediate need right now is December 31st to January 31st 150 appointments at our Oak street clinic.

Vancouver spokesperson Andrew Gordon says the process is easy and quick and he encourages donors to check blood.ca for eligibilty.

You can also book an appointment either by phone or online.