Canadian Blood Services launches new tool to engage young donors

New chat bot a world’s first among national blood operators

(OTTAWA) – Canadian Blood Services, together with EY, have announced a world’s first among national blood operators by introducing a chat bot to engage donors on Facebook Messenger. This new tool is another innovative effort to engage younger audiences in a lifetime of blood donation and to promote the constant need for blood.

“The chat bot is a fun and interactive tool that will attract new, young, and lifelong donors, at a time when the blood supply needs a boost to prepare for summer,” said Mark Donnison, vice-president, donor relations.

The chat bot will help users on Facebook Messenger learn more about the donation process and the people who are helped by donations. It will also encourage people to book an appointment online or through the National Contact Centre.

“We are very excited and proud to take this lead in digital engagement,” said Ralph Michaelis, chief information officer. “Developed in partnership with the digital team at EY, the chat bot is one more example of our commitment to embrace new and innovative digital technologies to reach and engage donors, whether they are new or returning.”

Donors can meet the chat bot today by messaging Canadian Blood Services’ Facebook page.

“EY is honored to collaborate with Canadian Blood Services in support of its lifesaving mission, leveraging the power of messaging platforms and conversational interfaces to reach and engage donors in new and innovative ways,” said Keith Strier, Americas AI and digital offerings leader, EY.