Your digest
Showing the LOV: Jennifer Pade and Karina Arenas Torres
This year’s Living Our Values (LOV) award recipients have gone above and beyond to embody our ICARE values of integrity, collaboration, adaptability, respect and excellence following another year of unpredictability due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nominated by their peers, the six regional recipients have worked tirelessly to deliver on our mission, vision and strategic goals. Catch up with our other 2021 LOV award recipients Laura Todd and Lynne Meilleur and Arleen Asi and Caitlyn Quinn.
This week, we celebrate Jennifer Pade, donor centre manager and brand ambassador in Saint John, N.B., and Karina Arenas Torres, dispatcher in Brampton, Ont. Meet Jennifer and Karina and learn more about their tireless commitment to our organization and to patients across the country, on Connect.
Submit your video, audio or written questions in advance of our next townhall
Join us on Canadian Blood Services’ 23rd anniversary, Tuesday, September 28 at 1 p.m. ET for the next live townhall with our CEO. As always, Graham and an expert panel will be available to answer your questions on any and all topics that are top of mind.
As we prepare for this event, we encourage you to send in your questions on any topic. Send your email or video questions to: communications@blood.ca with the subject line “TOWNHALL” or record an audio question by phoning: 1-800-509-2339.
Click the meeting link in the Outlook invite to join live. If you can’t make it, the event recording will be shared on your COVID-19 employee portal within 24 hours.
Cultural Observances
September 6 marks the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim ("Days of Awe"), celebrated over a ten-day period which concludes with Yom Kippur. To everyone celebrating, shana tovah!
In recent months you may have noticed an increase in posts and links to information highlighting a variety of cultural observances, both inside and outside our organization. Given the increased attention and focus placed on activities advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at Canadian Blood Services, this is an opportunity to promote inclusion by raising awareness about a wide variety of cultural and social justice observances.
All cultural and religious observances have been added to the event calendar on Connect, and significant observances are recognized on our various social channels, with more information about the significance and traditions provided. Throughout the year, there will be more focused campaigns that support our strategic priorities, by providing more visibility to underrepresented groups, and providing an opportunity for communities to celebrate and share their lived experiences.
International Day of Charity is September 5
As a registered charity, Canadian Blood Services is proud to celebrate supporters of our mission on International Day of Charity this Sunday, September 5. Recognized by the United Nations to commemorate the anniversary of Mother Theresa’s passing, International Day of Charity is rooted in acknowledging humanitarian work and charity in all its forms around the world and encourages communities to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.
It’s also an opportunity for Canadian Blood Services to say thank you to everyone who plays a role in helping those who rely on blood and blood products – whether as an employee, partner, volunteer or donor who supports us in one of the many ways to give. How will you acknowledge International Day of Charity? Lending a helping hand, spreading awareness online, or donating to a cause are just a few ideas to celebrate this globally recognized day.
Question of the day: I was wondering if we can stop wearing masks after the company reaches total vaccination of the staff?
All existing safety measures (including masks) will remain in place for everyone regardless of vaccination status. We have made the decision to maintain current measures and policies given the uncertainty of this phase of the pandemic. We will revisit these in the fall.
At this time, evidence is emerging that even fully vaccinated individuals may still be infected and transmit COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant is cause for concern. However, a fully vaccinated workplace, along with continued adherence to our current COVID measures such as PPE and physical distancing, will help provide extra protection for everyone. It will also reduce the amount of time employees stay home sick or must stay home to look after an ill family member, which will help reduce disruptions for staff and our operations.
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About your digest
This digest highlights 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.
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Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca