Blood and blood products are in constant and increasing demand in Canada; however, only a very small percentage of the population donates.

Recognizing the critical role blood donation plays in saving lives, Canada Post issued this stamp to help recruit donors by raising awareness of the need for blood and the significant impacts of each donation.

Good to know

The Blood Donation (2026): Official First Day Cover is cancelled in Ottawa, Ontario.
The issue also includes a booklet of six Permanent™ stamps.
These products are sold separately.

About blood donation

Odds are that you or a family member will need blood at some point in your lifetime. For those who require a transfusion, there is no artificial replacement for the vital fluid running through our veins. Yet, only about two per cent of the eligible population in Canada roll up their sleeves to donate. That’s a drop in a bucket. But every drop has a ripple effect: just one donation can save up to three lives.

It takes little effort to have a profound impact on someone’s life. A typical blood donation can usually be collected in less than 15 minutes. Plasma is replenished within 24 hours and red blood cells within eight weeks. This means a healthy, eligible individual may donate plasma as often as every seven days and whole blood, every few months. Giving blood is about giving hope and saving lives, but it also provides donors with a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Find out how you can help at blood.ca (in Quebec, visit hemaquebec.ca).

About the design

The stamp and OFDC are the work of designer Kristine Do and illustrator Peter Grundy.
The cover of the OFDC features an illustration of hands cradling the stamp, with the call to action to “Give blood.”
The cancel image is in the shape of a droplet.

Product # 414319131

Blood Donation (2026): Official First Day Cover