Air Force personnel from Surveillance and Response Group units based at RAAF Base Edinburgh have been rolling up their sleeves to take part in the 2021 Defence Blood Challenge.
With one blood donation saving up to three lives, and a plasma donation assisting in the creation of 18 different lifesaving treatments, Aircraftman Connor Broad said he was keen to be involved.
“Knowing my donation can make a meaningful difference and help save Australian lives is amazing,” Aircraftman Broad said.
“It’s a small, simple thing I can do that has a big, positive impact on others.”
Aircraftman Broad has made more than 40 donations, and said giving blood was an extension of his military service.
“When the call went out for volunteer donors in the Defence Blood Challenge this year, I knew I had to take part and register,” he said.
“It’s just another way Air Force personnel can serve the community.”
Local challenge coordinator Sergeant Darrell Greig said he had received an overwhelming response this year from personnel who were passionate about making a difference.
“I’m really proud once again of the level of commitment our personnel have shown to the challenge and their encouragement of others to participate,” Sergeant Greig said.
“We’re looking to break last year’s record of more than 9500 donations across Defence, so each individual donation makes an important contribution towards reaching our goal and saving more lives.”
As the longest-running blood challenge, the Defence Blood Challenge has supported Australian Red Cross Lifeblood for more than 10 years.
Navy, Army, Air Force and Defence public servants and their families can register their donations for the 2021 Defence Blood Challenge, which ends on December 8.
Members of the public are also encouraged to donate.
Lifeblood donor centres adhere to strict COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols to protect donors and staff, ensuring it is safe to give blood.
Appointments can be registered at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website: www.donateblood.com.au/donate
