Canadian Blood Services in Edmonton needs volunteers, blood donors

Rod Fink has been volunteering at Canadian Blood Services (CBS) since late last year.

As a two-time cancer survivor he understands the importance of rolling up your sleeve and donating.

“I had prostate cancer, then leukemia, so I got a stem cell transplant, I got numerous blood products because of that, so I owe people,” Fink said.

Fink donated blood for a time after his father required blood products to recover from surgery but had to stop for medical reasons. He now spends a few hours each week volunteering and supporting donors who are following his lead.

“People like Rod really show us the wonderful connection, there is nothing like the human connection of giving to someone else,” said Deb Steele-Kretschmer, a communications specialist at CBS.

“Whether it be your time, your expertise, financial donation or even the gift of giving blood to help save someone’s life,”

Decline in volunteers

Since the pandemic, non-profits across the country have seen a dramatic decline in volunteers, with up to 65 per cent of organizations experiencing a shortage, according to Volunteer Canada.

The group wants to use National Volunteer Week as an opportunity to appreciate those who volunteer, and to encourage others to lend a helping hand.

“As we are now working more from home, and may be a little more disconnected from social interactions, volunteering is a great way to reconnect,” said Megan Conway, the president and CEO at Volunteer Canada.

“Meeting new friends, gaining new skills, learning about your community, those are all some of the benefits you can gain from volunteering.”

Canadian Blood Services in Edmonton currently has around 100 volunteers, but they still need more help to take on rolls similar to Fink’s; he greets donors and makes them feel welcome and comfortable throughout their donation process.

“They help us build connections between donors and recipients, and help us build healthy and strong communities,” said Steele-Kretschmer.

Blood donors needed too

Volunteers are not the only shortage they’re facing on the people front.

“Over the pandemic, we lost about 31,000 donors nationally,” explains Steele-Kretschmer. “And the facts are, one-in-two Canadians can donate blood, but only one in 81 does.”

While Fink is no longer able to donate blood himself, he’s giving back as a volunteer in any way he can.

“Just to say thanks,” he said.