Our staff saved almost 200 lives in one year – here’s how you can help

Did you know that a single blood donation can save up to three lives?! Yep, it’s true – and what better reason to roll up your sleeves and help out?

Today is World Blood Donor Day, and we’re thrilled to acknowledge the occasion by spotlighting just a few of the Payworks folks who’ve given back through the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) Partners for Life program.

CBS Partner for Life

Payworks was first named one of CBS’ Partners for Life in 2018, when one of our staff started organizing group blood donations for our head office team. What started as two group donations with just over 10 staff and 30 pints of blood in the year has grown into quarterly pre-arranged appointment times, shuttles, and donations made by many selfless Payworks folks taking the time to Pay it Forward.

As a part of the initiative, Payworks also maximizes our impact with a matching annual monetary donation to CBS based on the number of employees who’ve donated – a contribution of $20 per appointment and an extra $5 for each pint donated.

Between May 2024 and April 2025, our staff booked 79 appointments and donated 64 pints of blood – equaling 192 lives saved! Payworks’ most recent monetary donation to CBS tallied $2,000 as a result.

Hear from our regulars (including their donation tips!)

Why has this Pay it Forward initiative been such a success over the years? Why do folks donate? And what keeps them coming back? We asked a few of our regulars those very questions…

Photo: Director of Service Jill Baczynsky at one of Payworks’ group blood donations.

“Payworks makes it SO easy,” says Jill Baczynsky, Payworks’ Director of Service. “You don’t have to worry about driving and parking, and going with friends always makes it more fun! It also keeps regular donations top of mind for those that can donate.”

Photo: Development Team Lead David MacKinnon donating blood.

“Donating is important to me because I know it’s a small act I can take to help others in need,” says Development Team Lead David MacKinnon. “Payworks providing the time and shuttle makes it so easy – all I have to do is show up! I love working somewhere that supports this initiative and makes it as easy as possible.”

 

Photo: Office Administration Team Lead Gabrielle Genyk donating blood in March 2025.

“I grew up watching my dad donate faithfully every time he was eligible, so that was what initially got me started,” says Office Administration Team Lead Gabrielle Genyk. “As an adult, I realize and better understand the gift it can be to others who need it. I’m so happy that Payworks organizes the quarterly donations, because it makes it even easier to give and it sets a great example!”

Blood donation tips from our staff:

1. Read the donor information offered by Canadian Blood Services.
2. Hydrate! Drink lots of water the day before and the day of your donation. This will keep you feeling good throughout and afterwards.
3. Choose meal options rich in iron – it’s a great reason to have a steak dinner! Eat foods like beef, spinach, dark leafy veggies, beans and lentils, and lean meats. Treat yourself afterwards, too - you’ve earned it!
4. Just relax (and look away during the donation to put your mind somewhere else).

Payworks is proud to be a CBS Partner for Life and to extend this wonderful opportunity to Pay it Forward to our staff, who are able to take a break from their desks and address the ongoing community need for blood donors across the country.

Canada’s need for new blood donors

According to CBS’ website, “to keep pace with patient need across the country, we need 450 new donors a day to join Canada’s Lifeline. This isn’t just about today. This is about the future. We can’t delay finding more donors; we are falling short now and need new people to join the movement.”

That’s another aspect of our quarterly group donations that gives us all the feels – it provides the chance for our staff to make their first donation if they choose. It’s heartwarming to be even a small part of that major milestone!

Photo: Client Service Representative Mohy Shaaban after making his first blood donation through Payworks’ Partner for Life program.

“I just wanted to do something to give back and support people in need,” says Mohy. “It’s such a small act on my part, but knowing it could help save someone’s life really made it feel meaningful. I was a bit nervous at first, but it ended up being smooth and honestly kind of uplifting. It just feels good to know you’re doing something that really matters.”

Photo: DEIB & Talent Acquisition Manager Charli Champagne making her first blood donation through Payworks’ Partner for Life program.

“The process they have at Canadian Blood Services is so refined and seamless I never once felt like I was left hanging as a first time donor,” says Charli. “It was easy to make the decision to donate blood because the Partners for Life program makes it so accessible. Having a group of Payworks folks along for the journey was an absolute bonus. I can definitely say that I’ll be signing up to do it again!”

Donation facts from CBS’ website:

• The standard blood donation is about 450 mL.
• The blood donation process takes just over an hour.
• CBS manages the national supply of blood products for all provinces and territories (excluding Québec).
• CBS’ website lists the current inventory levels based on blood type and highlights areas in particular need.
• Donation appointments can be booked online at: https://myaccount.blood.ca/en/donate (or you can download the app).

Thank you to all of our staff who’ve donated and supported our Partners for Life program. It’s a powerful way to Pay it Forward, and to do this together as a team is even more special!

If you’re interested to learn about opportunities to join a Canadian tech company that cares, visit: https://www.payworks.ca/about-us/careers.