Blood donation appointments filling up in Vancouver following street festival tragedy

Canadian Blood Services says appointments to donate blood are filling up in Vancouver after an SUV tore through a Filipino community festival on Saturday, killing 11 and sending dozens to hospital. 

Most appointments in the Vancouver area have already been booked for this week, according to a Sunday statement from the charity. 

It went on to say many appointments are still available elsewhere in B.C. and across Canada.

"We are closely monitoring the needs of patients and hospitals in Vancouver to make sure that we continue to meet them, and we are moved that we have already experienced a strong show of support," reads the statement.

Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed a "code orange" Saturday evening, which is used in mass casualty events. 

Police say the 11 people killed range in age from five to 65 years old. 

B.C.'s Ministry of Health said Sunday evening that 32 patients, including those who passed away, were seen at several hospitals across the Lower Mainland following the incident. 

The ministry said 17 patients remained in hospital, some in critical and serious condition and others with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Charmaine Charity is organizing a group blood donation with family and friends in the wake of the tragedy. 

As a midwifery student working at B.C. Women's Hospital, she says she has seen firsthand the importance of a steady blood supply to saving lives. 

"People are feeling so helpless right now," said Charity. "This is something that we can all do if we are physically able." 

Charity's group is donating blood through the Canadian Blood Services Partners for Life program, which organizes group donations. 

She has gathered 10 people who are confirmed to donate, and hopes more will take part. 

She said since donation slots are filling up, they will likely donate in mid-May, which is when blood supplies will need replenishing. 

"By organizing this afterwards we're helping restore what has been lost," she said.

Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in relation to the crash at Saturday's Lapu-Lapu Festival, police said Sunday. 

The statement from Canadian Blood Services said donations in the weeks to come will help keep its national inventory of blood strong.

The organization said it operates a national inventory, so patients can receive blood products collected from other parts of the country. 

Those wanting to donate can visit the charity's donor portal.