We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
Support for Giving is Golden blood drive flows from Laurier donors
March 28, 2025
Print | PDFGenerosity, support and blood donations were flowing during Wilfrid Laurier University’s first on-campus blood drive since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 100 Laurier blood donors, including students, staff, faculty and contract teaching faculty, booked appointments to give blood during the all-day clinic held Jan. 29 in the Senate and Board Chamber at the Waterloo campus. More than half of all donors at the blood drive gave for the first time.
Jax Francois, administrative assistant in the Faculty of Science donated at the Giving is Golden blood drive. It was her second time giving blood. Francois’ younger sister, Emilia, needed emergency blood transfusions in February 2023 due to near-fatal internal bleeding.
Jax Francois.
“I remember getting a call from my brother-in-law who told me that Emilia was in the hospital and needed blood transfusions,” says Francois. “I just spoke with her the day before and she was fine, so this was all unexpected and very scary.”
Emilia underwent emergency surgery, receiving seven units of blood and two units of plasma.
“My sister is alive because others donated blood,” says Francois. “Without that, she wouldn’t be here.”
Francois gives blood with gratitude for the blood donors who helped save her sister’s life. She hopes to inspire others to give.
Jax and Emilia.
“Giving blood, if you can, is a message I share with everyone,” she says. “It may not be top of mind for everyone, but once you or a loved one is directly impacted by the generosity of blood donors, it’s something to make time to do.”
Francois says Emilia made another blood donation on Feb. 5, 2025, to celebrate the second anniversary of her life-saving transfusions.
A golden partnership
Laurier is a 15-year member of Canadian Blood Services’ Partners for Life program. Each year, Laurier blood donors fulfill the university’s pledge of donations to help keep Canada’s national blood supply strong and our communities healthy. Laurier donors have contributed more than 5,000 blood donations.
“We are so grateful that Laurier blood donors continue to give so generously for Canadians in need of blood and blood products,” says Tammy Maroudas, community manager with Canadian Blood Services’ Ontario team. “It is a pleasure working with Laurier to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donors in our community.”
Canadian Blood Services says one in two Canadians are eligible to donate blood but only one in 81 do. Eligible blood donors can join Laurier’s Partners for Life team, give at any Canadian Blood Services clinic location and have their donation counted toward Laurier’s annual pledge of blood donations.
To get giving
- Take Canadian Blood Services’ donor eligibility quiz. You may also call 1.888.2.DONATE to discuss your eligibility with a nurse. Final eligibility is determined by staff at the clinic.
- If you are eligible to give blood, join Laurier’s Partners for Life team.
- Book your appointment at a Canadian Blood Services location near you.