Your Digest
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
While our IT department ensures we have the most up-to-date and current security standards, cybersecurity is also in the hands of all employees. There are several ways to protect your work, personal data and devices from threats such as phishing or ransomware. However, employees also need to be vigilant in the day-to-day use of their devices. One simple click on a malicious link can result in identity theft, privacy breach, locked data or stolen sensitive and financial information. These kinds of cyber attacks could severely and negatively impact you and Canadian Blood Services. Being aware and adopting behaviors that protect information and IT systems is key to combatting cyber crime. Visit Connect to learn how to spot it, prevent it and report it! And participate in our brief quiz for the chance to win a cyber-aware prize pack.
Special guest Pauline Port to speak at next Women’s Empowerment Network event
Earlier this year, Canadian Blood Services launched its newest employee resource group, for women and non-binary employees. The Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN) seeks to create a brave and safe space for its members to surface important gender-based topics, connect with colleagues to share experiences and ideas, and receive support to help fulfill personal and professional goals. In recognition of Women’s History Month and its focus on celebrating inspiring women, the network’s next event on Friday, Oct. 14 will focus on the theme “Confidence”. The event will feature a special keynote address from our former chief financial officer, Pauline Port, along with an employee panel discussion on confidence and the value of mentorship. Please email DEI@blood.ca if you haven’t already received an Outlook invite or if you would like to attend this event. For those unable to attend the event next Friday, a recording of Pauline’s ‘keynote’ will be made available.
A kidney donor empowers a storyteller to help others thrive
A kidney donation in 2015 didn’t just free Mary Beaucage from dialysis. It empowered her to work to improve care for others, especially Indigenous patients — and in doing so, to be a part of strengthening their communities. “For us to have our health, to have our physical strength even, that helps us do the work to regain culture, language and traditions,” says Mary, 53, a member of Nipissing First Nation. Stories like Mary’s show us how donors really do make all the difference, the powerful idea at the heart of our new creative platform. Read more about her on blood.ca and share her story with others in your network.
Question of the day
I'm celebrating a milestone this year. How will I receive my certificate / recognition gift?
Congratulations to all those who are celebrating career milestones at Canadian Blood Services this year! Milestone recipients, who are celebrating between 5 and 40 years of service (in five-year increments), will receive an email notification from My Vistance (Rideau Recognition) on their anniversary date inviting them to login to the Recognition Portal where they can browse the gift catalogue and select an award that corresponds to their length of service. They will also have the choice to have their certificate and gift shipped to their home or work address.
