2003 Virtual Causeway Supports Canadian Blood Services Once Again
A nation-wide effort by CTV and Canadian Blood Services (CBS) was made on June 19th to collect as many units of blood as possible across Canada. Because of the active involvement of CTV stations and affiliates, and blood donors across the country, more than 3,400 units of blood were collected (110% of target). This could not have happened without the support from the corporate community.
Locally, the Kitchener-Waterloo clinic collected 89 units of blood, which could save up to 356 lives. Virtual Causeway was one of six companies who participated in the day. This is the second CBS campaign that Virtual Causeway has been involved in. Marcia McDonald, Recruitment Coordinator, Canadian Blood Services realizes the importance of corporate donations, "The day was a great success thanks to the support and dedication of Virtual Causeway employees. I can't tell you how great it is to see organizations like theirs that are willing to roll up their sleeves and support the blood program. They have made a difference in the lives of countless Canadians."
The day was filled with media coverage from CKCO-TV (the K-W CTV affiliate). A detailed story and live shot was done during the noon news and the story was rebroadcast on the six o'clock news. The donors were well taken care of as Subway Sandwiches donated two party trays of subs and a cake was provided.
As a result of advances in medicine and an aging population, the demand for blood is growing. By the end of 2005, Canadians will need to be donating blood at a rate of one million units a year in order to meet the needs of patients. That means increasing the number of Canadians who donate from 3.5 to 5 per cent of the eligible population.
Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the blood supply in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec and operates the country's Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry. CBS operates 40 permanent collection sites and more than 10,000 donor clinics annually.
"Roll up your Sleeves, Canada!" and make an appointment to give blood. For more information on Canadian Blood Services including clinic information, eligibility information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283) or visit www.bloodservices.ca.
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