CFA calls on members to roll up their sleeves for a good cause

Deputy Chief Officer Kaylene Jones with Andrew Rouch from South Morang Fire Brigade

 

CFA is calling on its members to roll up their sleeves and donate for the Emergency Services Blood Challenge.

 

The Emergency Services Blood Challenge, held annually by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood from 1 June to 31 August, encourages emergency service workers to provide the highest number of blood donations to win the challenge and to more importantly, save lives.

Today, CFA joined the challenge alongside representatives from Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, SES, Emergency Management Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria to donate blood at the Melbourne Donor Centre to launch the blood drive.

With 1,209 blood and plasma donations during the 2021 challenge from CFA members, we came second to Victoria Police by only 319 donations overall, so CFA are keen to take out top honours this year. The difference between CFA’s and the winning Victoria Police results amounted to only an additional 3 donations a day.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook is encouraging all CFA members to get behind the challenge.

“It would not only be great if CFA can take home the trophy this year, but also know we’re helping an important cause to save lives” A/CO Cook said.

“If you are eligible to donate, please do so at your convenience as it’s such an important cause.

“Donating blood only takes about 45 minutes out of your time, and as an emergency services agency, we have seen first-hand how vital blood donations are.”

South Morang Fire Brigade’s 4^th Lieutenant Andrew Rouch has donated blood for the 42^nd time and is determined to see CFA members come out on top in the Emergency Services Blood Challenge this year.

Lieutenant Rouch joined CFA in 2012, and says he gets a lot of satisfaction from helping people.

He first donated blood back in 1980 when he was at university and decided to donate because he heard that the party pies and milkshakes people received after donating were excellent.

“This was the start of my journey of giving back to the community, so I started to bring my friends along and just kept donating,” Lt Rouch said.

He says donating is so important as he wants to help anyone who shares the same blood type as him.

“My blood type is A Negative and even though it’s not rare, my intention is to help anyone with that blood type who had the misfortune of needing someone else’s blood to survive,” he said.

“I’m always happy to receive the text messages from the Australian Red Cross after I’ve donated that it’s on the way to be used, and I’m proud that my adult daughter is a donor also.”

CFA members are encouraged to donate from now until 31 August to be a part of this challenge.

You can register to donate at https://www.lifeblood.com.au/

To find a donor centre near you visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre

 

Submitted by	CFA Media