Simon Fraser University students building a community of life-saving advocates

What started as a way to make friends at Simon Fraser University (SFU) has turned into a five-year mission to save lives for Jeannine Ho. Now a Master of Public Health student, Jeannine has helped lead the Blood for Life club—an initiative promoting blood and plasma donation, as well as registrations for our national registries for stem cells and organs and tissues. Their efforts are helping to create a lasting culture of giving on campus. 

Jeannine’s commitment to blood donation became deeply personal in her second year as a volunteer when her mother was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. 

"I remember how much blood she needed during chemotherapy. She passed away 10 months later, but I now donate and recruit others in her honour. She told me to always leave more than I take in this world, and volunteering with Canadian Blood Services allows me to do just that." – Jeannine Ho. 

Building a Community of Advocates 

As club president, Jeannine has witnessed firsthand how involvement in Blood for Life transforms students. She says it is incredibly rewarding to volunteer for the club, knowing that she is helping build a community of advocates for Canada’s Lifeline. 

"I’ve watched the shyest volunteers become the most passionate advocates. Many of our team members started out hesitant to donate themselves, but now they’re regular donors,” says Jeannine. “It’s about creating a lifelong habit of giving." 

According to Jeannine, there is a unique thrill and deep sense of satisfaction when she can sign up a new donor or volunteer. 

Beyond donation efforts, the club fosters a sense of belonging. Through social events, cultural celebrations, and even an ethnic potluck, the club encourages students to connect outside of academics and volunteering. 

Jeannie believes that there is strength in embracing their differences in bringing diverse perspectives into the club, as it serves as motivation for their donor and patient campaigns.  

Also, the club runs regular campaigns to directly advocate for patients with rare blood disorders and for marginalized populations, and to increase awareness on the importance of diversity in Canada’s stem cell registry. 

A key factor in the club’s growth has been the introduction of Discord, a platform that now connects over 200 members. 

"When I became president of the club, I launched a Discord server to make communication easier. It’s been a game-changer for recruitment and organizing events," Jeannine explains. 

Over the years, the club has hosted blood drives, stem cell swabbing events, and organ and tissue donation awareness campaigns, including initiatives like Saving Lives with Pride and Swab4Alexa, which highlight the need for ethnically diverse donors. 

Now, the club is working with Canadian Blood Services to expand to SFU’s Surrey campus, where a new medical school is set to open. "The enthusiasm has been incredible,” says Jeannine. “I encourage other universities to explore untapped opportunities—there are eager volunteers everywhere!" 

For student groups who are considering partnering with Canadian Blood Services, Jeannine’s message is simple: "Do it!" 

"Everyone I’ve worked with at Canadian Blood Services is passionate and dedicated, from the managers to the nurses to the truck drivers,” says Jeannine. “Plus, they bring pizza for volunteers—what’s not to love?" 

Through leadership, advocacy, and personal dedication, the Blood for Life club continues to inspire SFU students to experience the joys of giving, one donation at a time.