Simon Fraser University students building a community of life-saving advocates
What started as a way to make friends in her first year at Simon Fraser University (SFU) has turned into over a five-year mission to save lives for Jeannine Ho. Now a Master of Public Health Student, Jeannine has helped lead the Blood, Organ, and Stem Cell 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. I knew I couldn’t replenish that amount in my lifetime, 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.
"To me, the biggest success of the club has been seeing students become leaders. 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 witness volunteers become confident leaders.
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 by partnering with Indigenous and Black organizations in the community 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 300 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. “I also recognized that many students wanted to connect outside of club activities, so I created an online forum space where we discuss our hobbies, monthly ‘wins’, share images of our pets, foods that we’ve cooked, as well as offering advice to one another. I always encourage our volunteers to maintain their identity and passions outside of academics, which can be challenging when we are always studying or caught up with school!”
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 connect with local communities and explore untapped opportunities—there are eager volunteers and many beautiful partnerships waiting to be formed 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, Organ, and Stem Cell club continues to inspire SFU students to experience the joys of giving, one donation at a time.