Your digest
Save the dates — live townhall with our CEO:
In our latest townhall survey, many of you indicated that you would like to receive dates for our live events further in advance. Ask and you shall receive! Here are the dates/times for the remainder of the year:
Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 1p.m. ET
Tuesday, Dec. 15 a 1p.m. ET
When we started these events seven months ago, none of us could have anticipated that they would continue to be a valuable platform for authentic discussions about the real issues that face us as an organization and personally as employees. At each event, we continue to see over 1000 of you join live to engage, provide valuable feedback and listen to others. Thank you for continuing to show up and ask thoughtful questions.
An Outlook invite for the events will be sent to you in the coming days with the details on how to participate. As always, reach out to us at communications@blood.ca with the subject “TOWNHALL” to let us know topics top of mind for you. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Reminder, COVID-19 related leave support is available: When the pandemic hit, we had to come together to determine how we as an organization could continue to support our teams as we adapted to meet the challenges associated with COVID-19. We want to remind you that as we head into the uncertainties of the second wave that support is available should you need to be absent from work. Caregiver leave, quarantine leave and COVID-19 related sick leave are supports in place to help employees who need it. Please take some time to review our new dedicated page on Connect to learn more.
Birthday celebration attracts six first-time blood donors: Helen Raymond of Barrie, Ont. wanted her 65th birthday to be extraordinary. As a longtime blood donor who is temporarily ineligible due to heart issues, she came up with the idea of organizing a blood donor event. When Helen arrived at the Barrie donor centre, employees and donors sang Happy Birthday. Helen then set up outside, where she presented each departing donor with a loot bag and posed for photos. “It was a wonderful experience for me,” says Helen. “Inspiring six people to start donating blood might be the best birthday gift I’ve ever received!” Read more on blood.ca/stories.
Jett Woo brings team spirit to Hockey Gives Blood: Jett Woo recently signed a three-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks. But he has been busy enhancing the lives of Canadians both on and off the ice. He first got involved with supporting Canadian Blood Services at 17, when he was approached to help recruit potential stem cell donors. As a healthy young male, and especially as someone of mixed ethnicity (his parents are of Chinese and German heritage), he’s a perfect candidate for the Stem Cell Registry and a role model for other young people who can help build a more robust domestic donor base. “I was happy to bring more awareness to the need for stem cell registrants,” Jett says. “And I’m ready for that call to donate, if it comes.” Read more on blood.ca/stories.
Question of the day: Can you provide me with an update on the number of employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 in our organization?
At this time, we can confirm that we have had seven cases where employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
The latest case in mid-September involves an employee in testing in Calgary, Alberta. Although personal details of the individual affected cannot be shared, we are committed to being as transparent with you as possible. Canadian Blood Services has a robust process to manage cases when they arise. There are also enhanced safety measures in place in all our facilities across the country to ensure your wellbeing is safeguarded. We do not believe that other employees are at risk based on what we know from our assessment using Alberta public health criteria. Employees should continue practicing strict physical distancing by keeping a two-metre distance from others wherever possible and wear a mask.
In each circumstance where we have learned of a positive case of COVID-19, we have supported those affected by following the guidance provided by the appropriate public health authorities. In addition, we have followed internal protocols to ensure the affected areas are disinfected and that employees who are in close contact are notified as quickly as possible.
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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