(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

January 18-24

Canada Life partners with Canadian Blood Services for ‘Canada Life Week to Save Lives’ campaign

Jan 18, 2021 | 2:12 PM

WINNIPEG, JAN. 18 – Canada Life today announced that they have partnered with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec for the Canada Life Week to Save Lives campaign, encouraging people across Canada to donate blood and blood products in their local communities from January 18-24.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Blood Services has recorded a significant drop in blood donations due to mobile events venue cancellations and other unforeseen issues. In 2020, the organization’s group donation appointments dropped by almost 70 per cent, compared to an average of over 10,000 group appointments in previous years.

“Every day, someone in Canada needs blood, and even with a global pandemic, this need doesn’t stop,” said Jeff Macoun, President and Chief Operating Officer, Canada, Canada Life. “We’re proud to be partnering with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to raise awareness of Canada’s lifeline in communities across the country. Together, we can help ensure a strong, national blood supply is available to patients where and when they need it.”

Macoun added that other meaningful ways to support include registering to be a stem cell donor, making a one-time or recurring financial donation to Canadian Blood Services or Héma-Québec Foundation, or registering your intent to donate organs and tissues.

Both organizations have made significant shifts to adapt their daily operations to the pandemic, including introducing enhanced wellness measures at their permanent donor centres to protect the safety of their donors, staff and volunteers. Appointments are required to ensure physical distancing. Currently, only donors with scheduled appointments can enter donation centres.

red deer's unemployment down a tick

Alberta's job numbers improved in November

2h ago

first ndp mla now under recall

Red Deer-North MLA Adriana LaGrange now facing recall petition

5h ago

Health Care

Red Deer and Lethbridge chartered surgical centres cancelled, province to look for new operator

5h ago

Canada Life has been a dedicated supporter of Canadian Blood Services for more than 50 years and is proud to partner with Héma-Québec for the first time this year. In 2015, Canada Life made a national commitment to support Canadian Blood Services by officially joining the Partners for Life program. The company is also the founding national sponsor of Canadian Blood Services’ NextGen Lifeline youth recruitment program and is recognized as a National Lifeline Partner. In 2019, Canada Life extended their support for Canadian Blood Services by partnering with them for select Canadian Hockey League Game Nights in communities across the country. In 2020, Canada Life teamed up with Canadian Blood Services and Hockey Gives Blood as presenting sponsor of the Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador Program for the 2020-2021 hockey season.

Find a Canadian Blood Services permanent donor centre near you and book your appointment now at blood.ca/CanadaLife. In Québec, visit https://www.hema-quebec.qc.ca/trois-facons-simples.en.html.