The 2021 Defence Blood Challenge has finished, with personnel once again rolling up their sleeves to support the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and help achieve the 33,000 donations needed each week for blood products across the country.
Running from September 1 to December 8, the challenge featured Air Force, Navy, Army and Defence public servants competing to see which service could donate the most blood and plasma.
The final tally will be published in the New Year, but as of December 13, Army was topping the table with 4035 donations, Navy had recorded 2941 donations, Air Force 2800 and Defence public servants 912.
The challenge helps spread awareness of the vital need for blood and plasma donations required by Australians from all walks of life.
As someone who has made 75 blood donations, Wing Commander Haidee Harrison said the motivation to do so changed over time.
She began donating when she was 16 and finds comfort in the quiet moments during the process.
“Initially, it was just the idea that it’s something I could do,” Wing Commander Harrison said.
“As I’ve gotten older, my motivation changed.
“My husband can’t donate because he received a bone marrow transplant as a child.
“A few friends went through various illnesses where they’ve required blood products.
“My motivation has changed from ‘doing good’ to knowing specific people who benefited and knowing a lot of people who can’t donate makes my motivation stronger.
“I’ve donated in every location I’ve been posted to. It’s my 75th donation in Australia, but I’ve also donated in Cambodia when I was there on holidays.”
Every blood donation can save three lives, and plasma can be used in 18 ways.
It’s only in recent years Wing Commander Harrison was encouraged by Lifeblood to donate plasma.
“I’m married with two kids and have a very busy job, so I have very little personal time,” she said.
“Donating plasma is an opportunity to sit back, relax, do some internet shopping and have a sausage roll afterwards.”
