Blacktown City Council has taken out the top spot in the Local Government Blood Challenge for the fourth year running.
Council staff and the local community rolled up their sleeves and made an impressive 324 donations to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood between July and September – the most donations made in NSW and Australia.
The ‘bloody good’ effort will help save an incredible 972 lives and marks the fourth year in a row that Blacktown City has won the challenge.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the result was an amazing achievement, especially with the challenge taking place during Greater Sydney’s COVID-19 lockdown.
“Congratulations to all Blacktown City Council staff and residents who generously donated blood, platelets and plasma to this life-saving cause,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Blacktown City has a proud history in coming together for the Local Government Blood Challenge and the win is a wonderful demonstration of our City’s commitment to helping those in the community who need it most.
“Every week in Australia, some 33,000 people will need blood donations. While 1 in 3 Aussies will need blood at least once in their lifetime, only 1 in 30 will ever donate.
“The challenge may be over for another year, but that shouldn’t stop us from continuing to get out there and donate – I encourage anyone who is interested to book an appointment.”
Among the generous donors was Council’s own Keith Craigie, who marked his 100th donation during the challenge and has saved an outstanding 300 lives.
The Mobile Blood Centre will be visiting Blacktown Kmart in early November. Visit www.donateblood.com.au to make an appointment.
Picture: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood mascot.
