For seven years CFA volunteer Stuart McCombe has rolled up his sleeve to help others.
The Wollert member has teamed up with others in his brigade to be part of the 2024 Emergency Services Blood Drive.
Stuart has donated blood three times and plasma 23 times over the years.
Plasma is the part of your blood that holds all the other blood cells. It’s used in a whopping 18 different life-giving ways.
For Stuart, donating is a no brainer.
“It really ties back into why I joined CFA. It’s about helping other people, at the end of the day, one out of three people will need blood in their lives,” Stuart said.
“I’ve been brought up doing things for the community so for me that’s what it’s about. I don’t know where it goes and if me or my family need it, that’s where it’s going to come from, others donating.
“Doing what I can to be a good person in the community costs me nothing.
“It can mean between life or death for some people.”
Stuart said if you’re thinking of donating speak to someone who has done it before.
“Roll up your sleeves and give it a go,” he said.
The Blood Drive, held annually by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood from 1 June to 31 August, calls on emergency service workers to compete in a bit of healthy competition by providing the highest number of blood and plasma donations.
To book a donation, visit www.lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the donate blood app.
To find a donor centre near you visit www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre.