Canada Life
Together, employees of Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life, now united under one brand – the new Canada Life, have supported Canadian Blood Services for over 50 years.
Additionally, the company’s support has included engaging employees in group blood donations, adopting community donation days, hosting donation events and promoting the ongoing need for blood through their social media channels. In 2015, the company made a national commitment to the Partners for Life program and last year, employees donated close to 900 units of blood to help patients in need across the country. They continue to provide support through employee community initiatives.
Canada Life is the Founding Sponsor of the national NextGen Lifeline program. It aims to develop and formalize a youth engagement network by establishing volunteer blood teams made up of young people in major cities, on post-secondary campuses and in communities across the country. Teams will focus on driving new donor enrolment and appointment bookings at recruitment events throughout the year. The program will provide valuable resources to post-secondary students, including:
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A microsite with a network of tools and materials available to help empower and engage blood teams. Resources will help them effectively plan and execute recruitment events.
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An annual Forum where student leaders from across the country can come together to connect and network, share best practices and key learnings, and generate ideas for success.
Celebrating 60 years with 60 blood donations
Wes Martin (left, Nancy’s son) and Mac Hayter (right), both 2018 summer interns, donated blood in Nancy’s honour.
When Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life employee, Nancy Martin, London, ON, celebrated her 60th birthday in 2018, she asked for just one thing. She wanted her relatives, friends, co-workers and Facebook friends to make a blood donation in her honour. Altogether, over 60 donations were made in her name.
“I feel very fortunate and thankful to have made it this far without needing a withdrawal from the blood bank,” says Nancy. “I’m happy to continue making deposits and encourage others to do the same.”
Achieving 51 donations
Pam Fast, a Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life employee from Winnipeg, began donating blood as a young adult through on-site clinics at the office. To-date she’s made 51 donations.
“Donating blood is something I can offer to others without any inconvenience to me,” says Pam. “Since I’m a healthy individual who’s committed to maintaining an active lifestyle, I’m in a good position to offer something truly wholesome to others who may not have been blessed with good health. I hope to continue to donate blood for many years to come.”
