Easter Blood Drive:

Individuals must set up a blood donor account on the Canadian Blood Services website. Using this link will help connect them to the Easter Blood Drive team: https://myaccount.blood.ca/en/join-team/ONEW0108432.

They can confirm that they are registered with the Easter Blood Drive by clicking on the “Join a Team” button in their account and typing in “Easter Blood Drive”. Once registered, their donation of blood or blood products will count towards the campaign team goal.

Churches can request a block of appointments, (e.g. Saturday, April 1, 10:00 am – 11:00 AM) by contacting the organizers at blooddrive@loveottawa.ca

The goal is to mobilise as many churches as possible.  This is because the need is great, and yet the ability of the church to respond to this great need is even greater, since God is great.  The idea is to make it annual, around Easter, God willing, if the pilot goes well.  In fact, donors can donate at any time, and thanksgiving is another good moment to donate collectively.  

Blood is important to life.  Without it, one would die.  It is good for Christians to contribute, if possible, to strengthen the blood supply system in society, to reflect God’s love. One hears of medical benefits of donating.  For example, someone was told not to donate due to low iron level. Further investigation showed that he has celiac disease, something that he would not have realised if not for his blood donation.  Christians should get involved, even if health conditions may not be ideal.  CBS says that one could also donate financially, and/or volunteer their time to serve at the donation centre. 

To ensure the high quality of blood supply in Canada, CBS follows strict guidelines.  Various factors can determine whether a person can donate, including age, weight, medications, medical conditions, pregnancy, travel etc. There are lots of legitimate reasons why one should not donate blood.  There are health requirements for blood donors. For example, a hepatitis B or C carrier should not donate.  Other conditions, such as a previous Malaria infection, may put restrictions on the acceptable types of donation.  Please read the CBS donation guideline for more details (https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/am-i-eligible-donate-blood).

Promote the campaign, and share the vision that the church as the body of Christ can indeed contribute to the critical needs of society.  

Canadian Blood Services staff can also come into churches to speak, and/or set up info tables.  Contact Love Ottawa for more information and help if needed.

Yes, and definitely.  First, for those living in rural areas nearby, the CBS has a mobile blood donation clinic that travels to specific locations on a regular schedule.  One can find out the schedule of this clinic to mobilise an entire church community to donate.  Second, for those residing in other cities, like Toronto, Vancouver, etc, they can simply register with CBS through the Partner for Life portal of the CBS, and then join our Easter blood drive team. Note that they would not see the donation spots for the Ottawa blood centre.  They would need to book spots available in their local blood donation centres.