We’re challenging you to make all the difference by giving 3 in 2023.
The give 3 in 2023 challenge asks people across Canada to make three different kinds of contributions to Canadian Blood Services and the patients we serve. Get started by making your commitments today!
"Portraits of Difference" - the inspiration behind committing to 3 in 2023.
We are asking people across Canada to consider giving to patients in need and commit in three different ways. There are so many ways to support patients and save lives. Every donation to Canada’s Lifeline goes on to have a lasting impact in the lives of others. Whether it’s time, expertise, a financial gift or a life-saving donation, these connections, big or small, are what make us Canada’s Lifeline.
Photographed by celebrity photographer George Pimentel, Portraits of Difference captures the infinite impact of donations on recipients, their families and society. By joining Canadas Lifeline, your donation could go on to save a life and change so many more. Explore the portraits and experience incredible stories through our behind-the-scenes interviews.
Commit to giving to others in 2023 and make all the difference.
Janelle and sorority, blood donation advocates
As President of the Toronto chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Janelle leads her group in making all the difference within her community including for those with sickle cell disease — a condition that disproportionately affects the Black community.
Christopher and fraternity, stem cell registry advocates
Christopher and his fraternity brothers in the Lambda Mu Mu chapter of the Omega Psi Phi are dedicated to increasing awareness of the need for greater diversity in Canada's stem cell registry, including more Black registrants, in order to meet the needs of patients. With every new registrant they recruit they know they have the potential to save lives and have a lasting impact on many more
Margaret, stem cell recipient and financial donor
More then 33 years ago Margaret received a lifesaving stem cell transplant, which has enabled her to live a full and active life. She has not only discover a passion for cycling, but has turned that passion into raising awareness and advocating for others who are going through a journey with illness.
Ranjit, plasma and blood donor, community champion
Ranjit is a longtime supporter of Canada’s Lifeline and a dedicated plasma donor in his hometown of Brampton. A pillar of his community, he supports Sikh Nation, Canadian Blood Services’ largest contributor to the pledge-based Partners for Life program.
Darcy, blood and plasma recipient, with his family
Darcy has needed both plasma and blood for entirely different reasons. For more than three decades, he has survived an immune disease thanks to medications made from donated plasma. And in the summer of 2020, after a traumatic farming accident, he received large amounts of blood. Because of donors, Darcy enjoys a full life at home on the family farm.
Meaghan, living kidney donor
Meaghan Kay helped her young neighbour go on to enjoy a regular teen life by making a lifesaving organ donation through the Kidney Paired Donation Program. Her decision to donate helped save two lives, and made a lasting impact on many more.
Munira, blood recipient, with
her family
Munira lives a life filled with joy and gratitude, in the company of her nearest and dearest, because of lifesaving blood donations. She’s excited for the opportunity to travel, read with her grandchildren, cook with her 95-year-old mother, and help others navigate their personal journeys with blood cancer.
Julia, blood and financial donor
As an ER nurse, Julia sees the lifesaving impact of blood donation each day. But for her, donating blood is also deeply personal. Blood donors helped her husband spend a last holiday at home with his family before he died of blood cancer 19 years ago. That Christmas, he gave their two young boys hockey sweaters that they have since passed down to their own children. The family made memories they will cherish forever.
Cameron, blood recipient
At the age of three, Cameron was diagnosed with leukemia, and numerous blood donations helped to keep him alive during treatment. They also helped deliver a bright future that includes learning how to play golf, preparing to get a driver’s license, and exploring post-secondary institutions for his studies.
Manny, cord blood stem cell donor, with family
Years after Manny donated her daughter Jasmine’s umbilical cord blood, her son Tristan’s life was saved by another cord blood donor. Thanks to the cord blood stem cell transplant that donor made possible, Tristan is a happy, healthy and active two-year-old.
Stéphane, living kidney donor, financial donor, stem cell
registry advocate
Stéphane's parents taught him the importance of blood donation at an early age. Over the years, his contributions to Canada’s Lifeline have included blood, plasma and financial gifts. He is also a living organ donor.
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Janelle and sorority, blood donation advocates
“You could help a mother come home or a father come home from the hospital or save a little kid just by taking that one hour or so out of your day to give blood. You really are giving life when you do it.”
Christopher and fraternity, stem cell registry advocates
“To at least give someone the opportunity to further their life, then that’s a huge difference we can make.” – Christopher and fraternity
Margaret, stem cell recipient and financial donor
"I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to create a meaningful life.”
Ranjit, plasma and blood donor, community champion
“I feel really proud that I am doing something good for our community. For our country."
Darcy, blood and plasma recipient, with his family
“It’s been quite a gift. I do so much more than I thought I ever could."
Meaghan, living kidney donor
“Everyone gets a chance to live on their terms – that’s a great thing that comes out of this.”
Munira, blood recipient, with her family
“During a time when the world felt very dark, blood donors were the glimmer of light. They gave me hope for one more day.”
Julia, blood and financial donor
“I would say to someone who donated blood that made a difference in my life, thank you so much. That’s the least I could say.”
Cameron, blood recipient
“I have a guaranteed chance … that life is coming.”
Manny, cord blood stem cell donor, with family
“I hope they know they’ve changed a whole family’s life forever.”
Stéphane, living kidney donor, financial donor, stem cell registry advocate
"It's not only about adding years but it’s about adding quality years. You don’t help someone just so they help you in the future, you help them because you can.”