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The tribe has spoken: the Victoria, B.C. donor centre wouldn’t be the same without volunteer Gemma Kidd.
When Gemma walks into the centre each Wednesday afternoon, people notice. Smiles spread. Conversations start. And more often than not, folks start talking about the power of donation or the upcoming Survivor episode (Gemma is an expert on both).
“She fills a room when she walks in,” says Ann Chabert, Community Development Manager. “Gemma is truly a ray of sunshine.”
For Gemma, volunteering with Canadian Blood Services is about all about connections: between donors and patients, employees and community, and her own past and present.
A full-circle reason to volunteer
Gemma has a deeply personal connection to Canada’s Lifeline. Over the course of her life, she received blood products during three heart surgeries, from infancy through adulthood. She also needed blood products again during hospitalizations in 2022 and 2023 related to medication interactions and coagulation issues.
Today, she brings that experience with her every shift.
“When I talk to donors, I tell them my story,” Gemma says. “It’s nice to give back.”
For donors, hearing directly from someone whose life has been touched by their generosity can be powerful and a reminder that every donation truly matters.
Creating welcoming moments and a little fun
At the donor centre, Gemma helps donors refresh after their donation, offering snacks, juice boxes (her favourite) and conversation.
“She comes in with a mission and a passion,” Ann says. “She rolls up her sleeves and gets right to work. She’s a worker bee.”
Gemma also recognizes returning donors, recruits friends, and brings an unmistakable energy to the donor centre.
“I love meeting new people,” she says proudly. “I’m not shy at all.”
That sense of welcome is essential: volunteers play a vital role in supporting donors and ensuring patients across Canada receive the blood and plasma products they need.
Gemma also fits right in with the donor centre team, especially since she’s a Survivor super-fan. Employees at the centre run a friendly fantasy-style game each season, with everyone guessing who will win the show.
“They even got me a Survivor bag for my birthday,” Gemma says proudly. It’s a small gesture that reflects something bigger: Gemma isn’t just a volunteer — she’s part of the team.
Showing up, week after week
Outside the donor centre, Gemma keeps busy. She works at a flower shop, participates in choir and arts programs, enjoys rhythmic gymnastics and bocce, has even tried surfing, and still makes time to volunteer for two hours every week.
“Volunteering makes me feel good,” she says.
At a time when formal volunteering is declining across Canada, Gemma’s consistency and commitment help strengthen a resilient and sustainable blood system, one shift at a time.
“She’s very special to us,” Ann says. “Her dedication, her positivity, the way she connects with donors. We’re incredibly lucky to have her.”
For Gemma, volunteering at Canadian Blood Services is something she looks forward to every week.
“I love it,” she says. “Everything about it.”
A National Volunteer Week thank you
This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate volunteers like Gemma who ignite Canada’s Lifeline through compassion, service and connection.
Volunteers don’t just give time, they ignite possibility. What our volunteers do matters.
And as we mark this week, take a moment to thank a volunteer who has made a difference. A few words of appreciation can mean more than you think.
