Your digest
Our 2019–2020 annual report is live: The theme of this year’s annual report is adaptability, one of our I CARE values. The report is full of stories about how our teams have adjusted to life in a pandemic, as well as the many other challenges that we’ve faced throughout the year. You can also read about the donors, recipients and employees that contributed to keeping Canada’s Lifeline strong. We’ve accomplished a lot this year, together, and we’ve responded to changes unlike anything we’ve experienced in the history of our organization. There’s a great deal to be proud of and we hope that you can all find time to reflect on the difference you’ve made in the lives of Canadians.
Calgary testing team moves into new facility: The Calgary testing team has successfully relocated to the new Calgary Operations facility, an accomplishment that will make major improvements to testing operations. You can read more about the new facility and the move on Connect. The transfer required the team to manage complex logistics and risks, and the successful move is a testament to the team’s careful preparations. Congratulations to all!
The COVID caregivers series: Today, we bring you a story from Alexandra Ibrahim, an insurance and claims specialist in Ottawa, Ont. “I’m a single mom of a five-year-old boy, sharing custody with his dad, so I have him just over half the time. My son has special needs and he requires a high level of attention. So, when this pandemic hit, I was hit from it on all sides.” You can read more of her story on Connect.
We know that being a working caregiver is a balancing act and it’s something many of us continue to struggle with. During Healthy Workplace Month and beyond, your colleagues are sharing some of their challenges and what’s helped them manage through the pandemic. If you are struggling, please know there are resources available for your through the employee assistance program and the COVID-19 leave supports for employees.
Blood drive celebrates recipient’s first birthday, honours donors: Christie and Kyle Lewis had no warning that their daughter Madison would be born with congenital heart disease and respiratory challenges, but from her oxygen levels and impaired breathing, medical providers knew right away that something was wrong.
“COVID-19 made it so isolating, leaving me without the support I normally would have had. It was already a tough situation putting our baby girl through a risky surgery in a different province,” says Christie. “We knew there was a chance I could be in Edmonton alone and lose her.” Read more about Madison and her journey on blood.ca/stories.
Get in the spooky spirit: Halloween celebrations will be restricted in many parts of the country this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, but many employees are safely celebrating this spooktacular season. From carving pumpkins, wearing costumes and building outdoor graveyards, your colleagues are sharing ideas and photos of the fun and spooky ways they are celebrating this year. Check them out on Yammer.
Question of the day: What mental health resources are available for frontline staff who can’t access gyms? Some of us are really struggling.
As winter approaches and many regions are preparing to get through the second wave, we understand how challenging it is to remain active. With gym closures and the suspension of many activities, we have all had to rethink how to keep moving so that we stay healthy — both mentally and physically. Since the summer we have been offering weekly Boot Camp, Yoga, Sh’bam and Zumba sessions through GoodLife. These classes are open to all employees and household members.
Based on your feedback we will continue to offer these classes on an ongoing basis. In addition, we have added a new class, Core Balance, which will be offered on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. ET. These offerings require no equipment and minimal space to participate! Visit our wellness portal to register, and find links to other virtual fitness offerings.
Paying attention to our emotional wellbeing is especially important these days. For more information on resources to support your mental health, please visit our mental health page on Connect, or call our EAP at 1-855-454-2327 for an immediate referral.
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About your digest
This digest will highlight the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters. No access to email? No problem — all this information and more can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.
Click here to read past editions of your digest.
Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca