CFA joined all other Victorian emergency services to officially launch the 2019 Blood Challenge at the Australian Red Cross this morning (31 May).
CFA firefighters with blood donation recipient Jacob Fry.
DCO Alen Slijepcevic said the challenge was just an extension of emergency services caring for the Victorian community.
"Every day Victorian emergency service workers get out and save lives; giving blood just gives us the opportunity to do it in another way."
Presenting a unique opportunity for a bit of friendly competition, the challenge is a part of the Blood Services Red25 program which calls for all Australians in groups or an organisation to unite and donate blood.
The Emergency Services Challenge is in its eleventh year and runs from 1 June to 31 August.
DCO Slijepcevic said this challenge had been running for a number of years with Victoria Police winning last year.
"Last year we came second to Victoria Police in Victoria with 918 recorded donations, potentially saving 2754 lives. CFA had a total of 576 members donate blood during the challenge, with 20 of these members being first-time blood donors.
"At CFA, we protect lives and property and giving blood is another way we can be of service to our communities.
"So if you can, please roll up your sleeves and get involved and let's smash last year's numbers."
The challenge runs throughout the winter months as this is usually a time when the number of donations is impacted by the cold and flu season, yet the need for blood never stops. The challenge also presents a unique opportunity for a bit of friendly competition with the other services.
Please register your donations by saying "Red-25 CFA" at the blood bank. If you don't register your donations with Red-25 CFA, they won't be included in the tally.
To get involved and find your local donor centre, visit www.redcross.org.au
