Your Digest

The 2021-2022 annual report and annual report to financial donors are available now  

Each year, Canadian Blood Services publishes an annual report to track progress toward the goals of our strategic plan, Keeping the Promise. This year’s report, How we connect, shows how powerful human connections shape our work and make an impact. It includes interviews with divisional leaders and stories featuring Canadian Blood Services employees, donors, patients, partners and more. Read more on Connect.  

Our annual report to financial donors is available today as well. Called Sparking Connections, it explores how financial donors are shaping the work of our organization with their generosity. Read how financial donors fuel everything from recruitment of more biological donors to research and more at give.blood.ca/report.   

Our CEO answers your questions about increasing in-person work 

At the last townhall, where we discussed hybrid work and the direction that was recently given to our people leaders, we received a record number of questions. In particular, employees want more information about the request for organizational leaders to do more of their work in-person to set an example for their teams. Given the volume of questions, CEO, Dr. Graham Sher did a follow up video Q&A to address a few more of the most common inquiries.  

Honouring the contributions of all veterans this November

This November, we honour the important contributions of all veterans who have served and protected Canada across generations. The history of blood donation and transfusion medicine with the Canadian Armed Forces goes back to WWII.  Armed forces members are strong supporters of Canada’s Lifeline. We remember the past and ongoing sacrifices of members from all communities, including Black, Indigenous, Chinese, Jewish, women and other veterans and volunteers, who have served together as Canadians.  Head to ‘People and stories’ on the website for Veterans Affairs Canada to read some of their stories, and visit blood.ca to learn more about Canada’s support for soldiers who need transfusions in war zones. If you would like to honour a veteran or serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces this month, please book an appointment to donate. 

Lifesaving blood donations inspire a young boy to pay it forward

The first time that blood donors helped save his life, Elias Martin’s heart was just the size of a strawberry. Baby Elias had three open-heart surgeries and emergency brain surgery before he turned three. Today, at age 10, he’s in a position to help others. He started an annual campaign that’s collected thousands of colourful bandages, to bring smiles to children after their medical procedures. And he and his family are also sharing his story to encourage giving of all kinds to Canada's Lifeline over the holiday season. Being the face of our financial giving campaign this year is one more way Elias is making all the difference. Read Elias’s story on blood.ca.    

Question of the day

How well-protected is an employee who chooses to wear a mask and interacts with another employee who doesn't wear a mask and who might have COVID? Didn't we previously say that the wearing of a mask by both parties was required for protection? Just having employees who are concerned wear a mask doesn't seem to be the same level of protection as if everyone is wearing mask? 

Since the beginning of this pandemic, our organization’s approach has been cautious and measured. All decisions have been made in consultation with our medical and epidemiology experts and at minimum, meeting applicable public health requirements. Our suspension of the masking requirement aligns with epidemiological advice: that we are at a stage in this pandemic where we can shift from mandatory to optional measures. This can happen because we are a fully vaccinated workplace, the majority of Canadians are fully vaccinated, and illness now caused by COVID-19 is far less severe in most cases.

There is evidence that N95s are generally more effective than surgical masks. N95 masks are available to all employees, and you may choose to wear one.

We know that changes to routines, especially after the last two and a half years, can feel uncomfortable. Employees who have concerns related to workplace safety matters should discuss them with their supervisors or PCP business partner. The OHS & EHS teams (ask.ohs@blood.ca) are available to respond to any safety concerns.