Recognition programs
Donor recognition
One of the ways we express our gratitude to donors is through our national donor recognition program.
As a donor, when you reach a donation milestone, we acknowledge your contribution, whether with a pin, a card, a certificate or other items of appreciation.
Not everyone who is eligible to donate does so—and only a few who do will reach an incredible donation milestone. Your achievement is worth celebrating. Congratulations!
On behalf of patients in your community and across Canada, our heartfelt thanks to you for your sincere generosity and commitment to helping save lives. Donors are essential to Canada’s Lifeline.
FAQs
What types of donations are recognized?
We recognize all types of contributions, including:
- Biological donations
- Whole blood, plasma and platelet donations
- Stem cell and cord blood donations
- Partner initiatives
- Volunteer efforts
- Financial donations
How are biological donors recognized?
- We track every whole blood, plasma and platelet donation you make regardless of whether they were collected by Canadian Blood Services.
- Our program includes appreciation items such as special donor cards, lapel pins and certificates to thank you after you have reached various donation milestones. These items are standard across Canada and ensure that all donors receive consistent recognition for their contribution to saving lives.
- All donors, including stem cell and cord blood donors, receive a certificate within 4 to 8 weeks of their donation.
What are the recognition items for each level?
We’re proud to celebrate our milestone donors. Blood, plasma and platelet donors are recognized on their first donation, then at 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 and 250 donations, and every 50 donations thereafter.
Check the table below for details on recognition levels and items you’ll receive.
| Recognition Item | Milestone Levels |
|---|---|
| Pin only | 1, 10, 125, 175, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650 |
| Pin and Card | 25, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150 |
| Pin, Card and Certificate | 50, 100, 150, 200 |
| Pin and Certificate | 75, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 |
Note: Due to our commitment to fiscal responsibility and environmental sustainability, we will not be mailing donor cards to donors at selected donor centres.
How do donors receive their recognition items?
Lapel pins may be given to donors at donor centres, and donor cards and certificates are sent by posted mail within 4 to 8 weeks of successful donation ensuring timely acknowledgement of their generous contribution. Donors are asked to keep their mailing addresses up to date in their donor profile to ensure cards and certificates are received.
Is there an option to opt out from receiving the physical certificates?
We understand that some people may prefer not to receive physical gifts, for financial or environmental reasons. If you do not wish to receive the milestone certificates, you can opt out by calling our national contact center at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
National award program
Every year, Canadian Blood Services recognizes and celebrates exceptional contributors to Canada’s Lifeline and the patients we serve.
Our national award program honours and thanks people and organizations who are making significant contributions to the transfusion and transplantation system through an annual presentation of awards in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, Living Organ Donor Award, Logan Boulet Award, National Partnership Award and the Schilly Award. All honourees’ stories remain on the national award program page, as a source of inspiration, education and appreciation for the impact they’ve made to patients across Canada.
Our national awards celebrate the exceptional dedication, generosity and impact of individuals and partners who strengthen Canada’s Lifeline.
Dr. Graham Sher CEO, Canadian Blood Services
Have more questions?
Call us at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to learn more about our recognition programs.