Above: Glen Dietz, Laboratory Quality Consultant at LHSC, sits proudly completing his 300th donation with Canadian Blood Services. He holds a sign that says, “This is my 300th donation and I’m coming back for more.”
October 5, 2026
Glen Dietz didn’t think skipping English class at 17 would turn into something so important. Yet, 55 years later with 300 blood donations up his sleeve, donating blood when he was supposed to be reading Shakespeare shaped a massive part of his life.
“I first donated blood when H.B. Beal hosted a blood donation clinic. My biggest motivation was skipping English class to donate with my friends.”
Although he didn’t think about it much afterwards, a few months later a friend asked him to donate again.
“The second time I donated, my grandfather was in the hospital and required blood transfusions. That changed donating blood from no big deal into something personal. I knew my blood wasn’t going directly to my grandfather, but I saw the need.”
That year, Dietz excelled in high-school science, earning a unique placement at an LHSC lab, which motivated him to go to medical technology school and continue donating.
Before he knew it, Dietz had achieved a 50-year-long career in medical technology, and in January 2026, rolled up his sleeve for his 300th donation with Canadian Blood Services.
Where does donor blood go?
Once donors like Dietz make their contributions, their blood goes on an incredible journey. Donations travel to Brampton, where each unit is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. That separation allows patients to receive exactly what they need, making it possible for one donation to help save up to three people.
Then, LHSC’s Transfusion Medicine Laboratory, which operates 24/7, orders blood components from Brampton to maintain the stock needed for patients.
When the blood products arrive back at LHSC, skilled Transfusion Medicine technologists collaborate with physicians and nurses to match patients with the blood products they need. The team completes crucial antibody testing, interprets lab results and perform compatibility tests, all before nurses administer transfusions to a variety of patients. This meticulous and detailed work makes it possible for the right blood product to get to the right patient at the right time.
Who benefits from donor blood?
Blood products support a vast range of patient needs, not just those involved in physical traumas or surgery or transplants. Dietz learned through his work that “blood is used daily for chronic transfusions, like dialysis patients or patients that have cancer. In some cases, patients needed blood transfusions for the rest of their lives.”
The Transfusion Medicine Laboratory also reserve up to four coolers of blood products for the Ornge air ambulance team so they can meet the needs of patients in the field.
Why donating blood matters
There is no existing substitute for real blood products, making donation critical to maintaining national supply. Thankfully, Dietz isn’t alone in his commitment to blood donation. Many members of Team LHSC give:
“I have been donating blood since high school. Working in healthcare I knew it was always important. When my grandfather was in intensive care he needed blood. Our family promised to "repay" those eight units. I celebrated by 40th donation in June and my mom just reached 51” - Amanda Johnston, Medical Imaging
“When I was in university a lot of people around me were diagnosed with cancer. I couldn’t help financially but wanted to make an impact. I started donating whole blood and my hair. I eventually switched into platelet donations. where some are direct matches with patients.” – Serge Parent, Paediatric Critical Care
“Life happens; we never know when we’ll be a giver or a recipient. I’ve been both! Donating blood is one of the few times being ‘full of it’ is a good thing! It's a chance to do something meaningful and spend a few relaxing minutes in a comfy chair. One donation can make a big difference. And the free snacks afterward don't hurt either!” – Tracy Harrison, Patient Experience
“Initially, I donated because it felt right and fit my schedule. Now, 20 years in, I make time because two close family members required blood transfusions during their cancer journeys. Donating takes very little time, the staff are always welcoming, and the process is efficient. It's one of the simplest ways I can give back and help someone in need.” – Elaine Hunter-Gutierrez, Infection Prevention and Control
You can help save lives this fall
Until October 31, donate blood as part of Team LHSC and help us win the Canadian Blood Services Hospital challenge for the third year in a row.
- Check your eligibility with this quiz on the Canadian Blood Services website
- Log in/Create an account and Join existing Team LHSC donors (Team code LOND012624)
- Schedule an appointment at a convenient location across London and Middlesex County, including the Canadian Blood Services donation centre at 820 Wharncliffe Road South in London.
Team LHSC is a proud member of the Canadian Blood Services Partners for Life program.