Your Digest
July is Cord Blood Awareness Month
This month, we celebrate the incredible benefits of donated umbilical cord blood by sharing stories and resources. This rich source of blood-forming and potentially lifesaving stem cells can be used to treat more than 80 diseases and disorders. Although we recently suspended processing and banking of new cord blood donations for approximately three months, we want to raise awareness and encourage parents-to-be to continue registering to donate their babies’ cord blood. Read more on Connect about how you can help spread the word using our digital toolbox.
A very inspired donor
After an exposure to COVID-19 forced regular blood donor Amanda Kirby-Sheppard to re-book a donation appointment, she was excited to be scheduled during National Blood Donor Week. But an episode in her own family was an even more powerful motivator to show up. Days before her latest appointment to give blood, her grandfather was rushed to hospital — and received multiple blood transfusions. Read the full story on blood.ca/stories.
Send us your feedback on the latest town hall (recording now available)
In case you missed it last week, you can access the recording of the June 29 town hall on our employee portal or listen to the podcast on Connect on the Go. To improve upon future live events with our CEO, we ask you to please take a moment to provide us with your views by completing this anonymous three-minute survey by Friday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET.
Kickstart the season with our Summer Wellness Boost
Throughout the month of July, you can participate in our Summer Wellness Boost, focused on making healthy choices through nostalgia, play and mindful fun. This week, we kick things off by inviting participants to share their favourite summer song. Your song will be compiled into a Canadian Blood Services Spotify playlist (no account required) so you (and others) can enjoy this special collection all summer long! Register anytime and have the chance to win weekly prizes. Employees will receive an email at the beginning of each week that outlines the theme, such as movement and memory, physical health and gratitude. Winners will be emails and tagged on Yammer. Sign up here to start your summer off with some healthy fun.
Question of the day
If I, or someone I know, wants to organize a fundraiser in support of Canadian Blood Services, can they do that? How would they get started?
Yes! We welcome the opportunity to help employees, volunteers and community groups fundraise for Canadian Blood Services. If you or a person/group in your community is planning a seasonal event, project, or donation drive, adding a fundraising component can be a meaningful way to impact patients who rely on blood products. Our Do-it-Yourself tool makes it easy for friends and family to support Canadian Blood Services online as part of your commitment. Or, for those wanting to fundraise and help recruit potential stem cell donors at the same time, check out our recruit-and-raise tool. All funds raised help fuel national programs — from recruitment to research — that make a difference to patients. The philanthropy team is always here to help communities bring their fundraising goals to life. They can also connect you with fundraising events already happening in your area. Employees and all community members can reach out to philanthropy@blood.ca at any time for more details.
About Your Digest
This digest highlights the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content to remind us that what we do matters. This information can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.
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Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca.