National Volunteer Week

Our volunteers truly make a difference every day by helping us advance our work and support for the well-being of patients in Canada. Whether it’s supporting donors throughout the donation process, recruiting new donors, raising awareness about the importance of blood, stem cell and organs and tissues donation or helping fundraise to support our lifesaving programs; our volunteers are a vital link in Canada’s Lifeline.

Please take time to extend your sincere thanks to our volunteers during National Volunteer Week.

Remind them of the incredible difference they make every day to advance our work and support for the well-being of patients across Canada.

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Become a volunteer

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Volunteers for life

Whether you are supporting blood donors during their donation process, recruiting people for blood or stem cell donations, organizing donation or typing events, or raising awareness about the importance of blood donation; you too are an integral part of Canada’s lifeline.  

Volunteering overview


As a Canadian Blood Services volunteer, there are many ways you can make a difference. You might be the very person to assist the donors who attend some 14,000 donation events across the country each year. You might register a potential stem cell donor at a community event. You might participate in events that help people learn about their blood type. Or, your strong public speaking skills could encourage others to donate. 

As a volunteer, you can

 

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Make a difference

Whether you are new to a community or resided there for years, you can have a direct impact on the life of a neighbour, friend or stranger in need. Many volunteers find that helping others can spark a positive change that fuels their community’s energy and enthusiasm for life.

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Develop new skills

Apply your skills, develop some new ones, and gain valuable leadership experience along the way. If you have ever been interested in working in the healthcare or medical industry, or simply wanting to try something new, there are opportunities here for you. 

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Grow your network

Canadian Blood Services employees, donors and fellow volunteers all become part of your personal and professional networks. As a national organization with more than 7,000 volunteers and 4,300 employees, you will have the opportunity to connect with vast and diverse talents.  

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Make our work even better

Your experience and feedback help us to continuously improve the volunteer and donor experience. We encourage all  volunteers to attend regular meetings, participate in our national surveys, and provide valuable feedback wherever possible. 

When you volunteer your time

You make a difference

to blood recipients like Charles

Apply today
When you volunteer your time

You make a difference

to stem cell recipients like Tom

Apply today
When you volunteer your time

You make a difference

to blood donors like Emily

Apply today

Volunteer opportunities


As a volunteer, you can help save lives by supporting us in one of the following areas

  • Volunteer your time in one of our donor centres. 
  • Participate in community events with a focus on recruiting new donors and promoting upcoming donation events.  
  • Join our Speaker’s Bureau. You will have the chance to speak at schools and public events about our work at Canadian Blood Services’ and the ongoing need for donors to help Canadians in need wake up healthy each day.  
  • Inspire new donors as an ABO typer. You’ll undergo training in blood typing and first aid to perform typing on potential donors while encouraging them to donate blood, plasma and/or stem cells.