CFA members from across the state have saved around 3,000 lives by making more than 1,000 donations during this year’s Emergency Services Blood Drive.
Team CFA’s overall contributions included more than 635 plasma, 396 whole blood and 28 platelet donations between 1 June and 31 August 2024.
CFA proudly achieved third place overall in this year’s drive, behind NSW and Victoria Police.
On the final day of the blood drive, CFA’s Western Port Group of brigades in the state’s southeast banded together to create one of the largest group donations.
Hastings Fire Brigade volunteer Jonathan Rendell rallied 30 CFA members to roll up their sleeves on Saturday 31 August. His wife who has cancer the driving force behind his dedication to this life-saving cause.
“I’ve seen how important blood products are from both my time in the military, and with CFA. Now my wife is undergoing chemotherapy, so I am even more driven to encourage people to donate,” Jonathan said.
“This is another way we can give back to the community, giving those we help the best possible chance. I’m proud of all the CFA members who joined me in being a part of saving up to 100 lives.”
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood said one in five donors had to cancel or reschedule appointments this winter due to flu symptoms.
“This is why the Emergency Services Blood Drive helps boost blood stocks at a time when it’s really needed over winter,” Jonathan said.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, who also donates blood, thanked CFA’s 1,000 members who have made a significant impact to saving lives.
"Our volunteers selflessly give up their time every day to help others so it’s great to see our members continuing to get behind this vital initiative,” Jason said.
“I encourage our members and the broader community to continue to give blood all year round when they can.”
Emergency services across Australia donated 13,900 times during last year’s blood drive, 31 per cent of those came from Victoria.
For more information about the Emergency Services Blood Challenge and how to make a blood donation yourself, visit the Lifeblood website at www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.