BAPS Charities launched the ‘In the Joy of Others Blood Donation Campaign’ across Canada in partnership with Canadian Blood Services.
The blood donation campaign will run in 14 cities across Canada throughout 2022 with a goal to collect more than 1,000 units of blood, plasma, and stem cells to serve thousands of people in need in hospitals across Canada. To further support patients, the campaign will also be promoting the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry.
The launch took place in the presence of Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Ken Mayhew, President & CEO of the William Osler Health System Foundation, and hundreds of community members.
Premier Ford applauded the work of BAPS Charities and especially appreciated the volunteers of BAPS Charities for their dedicated service to the community during the pandemic, saying, “I always have a special spot in my heart for BAPS Charities. During the pandemic, you opened your arms and helped everyone out, and it didn’t matter what race or religion. Our whole community has so much to learn from your charitable giving.”
Beth Frise, Manager of National Partnerships, Canadian Blood Services also attended the launch ceremony. Dr. Yasmin Razack, Chief Diversity Officer, Canadian Blood Services, sent a special message which said, “Canadian Blood Services is so pleased to welcome BAPS Charities to our Partners for Life program and honoured to be part of your milestone celebrations! Your contribution to Canada’s Lifeline will make a meaningful difference to patients across the country. Partnerships with organizations and community groups like BAPS Charities are critical as Canadian Blood Services seeks to strengthen our donor and registrant base and ensure a sustainable supply of lifesaving products for patients today – and into the future.”
To kick off the ‘In the Joy of Others Blood Donation Campaign’, the first Blood Donation Drive was held in Toronto, ON, on June 8, 2022, where 57 units of blood were collected, saving up to 171 lives.
Lalit Wadhvana, National Medical Coordinator of BAPS Charities Canada said, “This event was organized to commemorate the centennial celebrations of the founder of BAPS Charities, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose life motto of ‘In the joy of others lies our own’ forms the foundation of many BAPS Charities volunteer efforts. To help meet our goal of collecting 1,000 units, we encourage everyone to spread the word about this campaign to your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.”
Donating blood is easy and you can start by registering at Blood.ca/pfl and choose Team BAPS Charities to join this campaign!
