Your digest

IMPORTANT REMINDER —Microsoft Teams replacing Skype: On September 10, Skype for Business will shut down and be replaced by Microsoft Teams, which was rolled out to all employee computers in May. Please make sure that you convert any recurring meetings on Skype over to Teams before the switch. We know change can be difficult, so if you are still getting comfortable with Teams, there are many resources available to get you started! Join one of our Teams training sessions to learn how to get started with the platform, read our quick-start guide to learn the basics, watch our how-to video series and visit the FAQ on Connect. Learn more on Connect.

Masks — your questions, answered: During our last live Q&A with Graham, many of you had questions regarding mask requirements at Canadian Blood Services. While it was clear employees understood the measures in place to safeguard our teams and operations, your comments and questions helped us realize that more clarity was needed as teams adjust to our “new normal.” As promised, we are committed to providing answers to questions we were unable to get to during the event. Head over to Connect to learn more and remember to check out the dedicated PPE page of your COVID-19 employee portal for the latest on PPE at Canadian Blood Services.

Thousands of Canadians donated in honour of #NovaScotiaStrong: From August 14–31, Canadians were called upon to roll up their sleeves and donate blood in honour of the #NovaScotiaStrong campaign. From the kick-off events in Nova Scotia to the many, many donors who extended their love from other provinces, we want to say thank you to everyone who made this campaign a success. We recorded an increase in visitors to our website over the two-week period and approximately 2,100 units of blood were donated across Canada including almost 1,100 units from Nova Scotia. Visit blood.ca to view some of the highlights of this incredible campaign and its impact across the country.

Fundraising goes virtual to support patients during COVID-19: When COVID-19 hit earlier this year, many of our fundraising event organizers had to act quickly to adapt. In this new era of physical distancing, annual fundraising campaigns, celebrations, athletic challenges and other events normally held in-person have had to shift to an online format. Luckily, Canadian Blood Services’ creative community of fundraisers have barely missed a beat. “COVID-19 has not limited our efforts — rather, it has enhanced our focus on serving our communities across Canada,” said Qamar Ahmad, one of the organizers of the 2020 Run for Calgary, an annual charity event that supports Canada’s Lifeline.  Read how organizers like Qamar are shifting their fundraising events from street to screen this year on blood.ca/stories.

Teen recovers thanks to donated plasma: Thanks to treatments derived from donated plasma, London teenager James Peloza quickly recovered from an acute and sudden bout of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). GBS is a rare disorder that causes the immune system to attack the nervous system; it caused James to suddenly go blind one morning. He was rushed to hospital, where he was diagnosed and administered immune globulin. He responded immediately to the treatment and has made a near-complete recovery. His mother, a long-time blood donor (and now weekly plasma donor!), recently organized a special donor clinic to show the family’s appreciation. Read more on blood.ca/stories.

Question of the day: When we are discussing important topics like diversity, equity and inclusion at work, can I voice a contrary opinion without fear of negative consequences?

We are dedicated to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace. This means that everyone is treated fairly, and with respect and dignity. And everyone can voice a contrary opinion without fear of negative consequences. However, while we welcome all opinions, we don't tolerate any form of hate or discrimination.

All employees play a role in safeguarding our workplace. If you see or know of disrespectful behavior, violence or harassment in the workplace, you have a responsibility to report this to your manager or a representative from people, culture, and performance. Want to learn more about how you can foster respectful conversations? Check out our helpful resources on Connect.

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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.     

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Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca