Central Victorian CFA members encouraged to roll up their sleeves and give blood

In some healthy competition, CFA brigades are hoping to win the 2021 Emergency Services Blood Challenge.

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The challenge, held annually by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood from June 1 to August 31, encourages friendly competition between emergency service workers to join their team and donate to win the challenge.

Bendigo fire brigade captain Ian Ellis said giving blood can be a lifesaving action many volunteers can make.

"Giving blood is a lifesaving thing and because there are so many incidents that happen, there is a growing list of people that need blood," he said.

"By giving blood it is another life that will now benefit."

Lifeblood has a number of blood donor centres across Victoria and also operates mobile donor pop-up sites.

With 1258 blood and plasma donations during the 2020 challenge, CFA members came second to Victoria Police by only 59 donations and are keen to take out top honours this year.

One in every three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, however only one in 30 Australians donate blood each year.

Although Mr Ellis is ineligible to donate blood, he strongly encourages his brigade members to roll up their sleeves if possible.

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"Unfortunately we don't have enough donors that can donate blood but as emergency services if we can help in that way then that is an extra bit," he said.

"I always encourage everyone to go ahead and donate, it only takes you 30 minutes out of your day and you get a nice break and some coffee," he said.

"It's a small thing we can do and it's great for society."

You can register to donate at lifeblood.com.au.

The Bendigo Blood Bank Centre is located at 6-8 High Street and there will be a pop-up location in Echuca in the High Street Carpark from August 2 to 27.

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