Blood Is Life: A Blood Donation Education and Community Health Event
Conversations About Blood, Culture & Community
Free community event · Everyone welcome · Drop in anytime
Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Rexdale Community Hub
21 Panorama Court, Toronto, ON M9V 4E3
Created with African, Caribbean and Black communities in mind. Come ask questions, connect and learn about blood donation, health and culture.
Register for the event · Getting there
Registration helps us plan for attendance. It is encouraged, but you do not need to register to attend.
No blood donations will be collected onsite.
Explore the Event
Why Blood Is Life
Some patients, including many people living with sickle cell disease, need regular transfusions with blood that closely matches their own. Those matches are most likely to come from donors who share their ancestry. More donors from African, Caribbean and Black communities means better care for people in our own communities.
Come with your questions and speak to Canadian Blood Services about becoming a donor. Coming to the event does not commit you to donating.
What to expect
Come on your own or bring family and friends.
- Talk with Canadian Blood Services about blood donation
- Stem Cell Registry table
- Blood pressure and blood sugar checks by Rexdale Community Health Centre
- Sickle cell trait testing by Rexdale Community Health Centre
- Sickle cell education from local experts
- Community resources, including the SickKids genCARE Research Project
- Drumming, music and culture
- Food and refreshments
- Raffles and giveaways
Getting there
Rexdale Community Hub
21 Panorama Court, Toronto, ON M9V 4E3
- Free parking.
- Accessible by TTC.
- Wheelchair-accessible venue.
Get directions to Rexdale Community Hub
For questions about access or getting to the event, call 416-613-4878 or email [email protected].
Register
Registration helps us plan (it’s optional).
Prefer to register by phone or email? Call 416-613-4878 or email [email protected].
Partners
- Organizer: Community Capacity & Resilience Building Hub (CCRBH).
- Sponsor and blood-system partner: Canadian Blood Services.
- Health partner: Rexdale Community Health Centre.
- Research partner: SickKids genCARE Research Project.
- Community partner: Jamaican Canadian Association.
- Venue: Rexdale Community Hub.
FAQs
Can I donate blood at the event?
No. Blood donations won’t be collected onsite. You can talk with Canadian Blood Services about whether you can donate and how to book an appointment.
Do I need to register?
No. Registration helps us plan, but walk-ins are welcome anytime from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Who can come?
Everyone, whether you’ve donated before, are curious about donating or just want to connect with your community.
Does registering sign me up as a blood donor?
No. Event registration is separate from Canadian Blood Services donor registration, and it will not add you to any CCRBH mailing list. Please do not include health information when you register.
Who do I contact with questions?
Call 416-613-4878 or email [email protected].
Share the event
Know someone who should come? Send them this page or the flyer.
Or copy the link: communityresiliencehub.org/bloodislife
