The Bendigo Red Cross blood donor centre is challenging emergency service personnel to get behind their service and donate blood.

Marong SES volunteer Robin Neller said 14 of the unit’s 27 active me”mbers had agreed to donate.

“Five of our crew have already donated and another booking will be scheduled for Thursday, July 9,” she said.

“Last week’s donors braved the cold and after their trip to the Red Cross participated in land search training.

“It’s our first time donating as a unit. Some of our members have donated individually in the past but this is the first time the unit has got behind the challenge.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how many hands went up to do it.”

The friendly challenge, runs from June 1 to August 31, and involves police, firefighters, paramedics and SES personnel.

Last year 867 donations were made across Victoria during the challenge period, saving an estimated 2600 lives.

Four hundred and 94 donations have already been made this challenge, with Victoria Police leading the way on 177, ahead of the Country Fire Authority (143), Ambulance Victoria (87), Metropolitan Fire Brigade (41) and Australian Federal Police (one).

Ms Neller said the 45 SES donations equated to 135 lives saved.

Bood service community relations officer Shae Smith said it was fantastic to see so many Bendigo and surrounding emergency service staff  and volunteers participating in the challenge.

“Across the country 900 donors are calling to cancel their blood donation appointment every week because of cold and flu symptoms,” she said.

“Winter is always a difficult time for blood donations because you need to be feeling 100 per cent well to donate. “

“Patients fighting cancer, infections and blood diseases are relying on donated blood to keep them healthy throughout winter.” 

“It only takes one hour to donate blood and help to save lives.

The Bendigo donor centre needs more than 250 donors during the month of July. 

To donate call 13 14 95.