The Emergency Services Blood Challenge continues and CFA is currently in second place just behind Victoria Police.
Each blood, plasma or platelet donation attributed to the CFA Lifeblood team counts towards CFA’s overall tally until the challenge ends on 31 August. Anyone is eligible to donate under CFA’s team name.
CFA members have made over 450 donations since the challenge first started on 1 June.
Kangaroo Ground Fire Brigade Members Chris and Jennifer Fidler recently donated blood together.
“It’s such an easy thing to do and it helps support people who really need it,” Chris said. “It’s almost like CFA volunteering.
“There’s a constant demand for blood products and I think a lot of people in their busy lives probably haven’t considered donating blood, but if someone could say ‘come with me’, it’s an easy way to get new people involved.”
Chris recently made his 135th donation.
“I think it’s all about getting someone in the door for the first time,” he added. “Then once they realise how easy it is, how it doesn’t hurt and how good they feel about donating, they’re likely to continue. It’s just all about getting people through the door.”
The challenge is held each year to encourage groups and organisations to donate blood over the winter months when donations are impacted by the cold and flu season.
Last year CFA won the highest number of plasma donations and came second overall with over 1250 donations, only 59 behind the 2020 winners Victoria Police.
You can check the Emergency Services Blood Challenge results tally on the Lifeblood website. Members can also find out more about the challenge here.
It's important that every donor makes their donation count…
1. Ring 13 14 95 or go online to make a blood donation appointment for between 1 June – 31 August.
2. Join Lifeblood Team: Country Fire Authority here, or in the donor centre, to ensure your donation is added to the CFA tally.