Photo: CFA ACFO Glenn Pröbstl donating plasma at today's 2023 Emergency Services Blood Drive launch.
The 2023 Emergency Services Blood Drive has kicked off and CFA is calling on its members and their families to roll up their sleeves to save lives.
The annual Blood Drive, held by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, kicked off on 1 June and will run through to 31 August.
The drive encourages emergency service members to make a significant contribution to those in need by donating blood and plasma.
CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Glenn Pröbstl and Kangaroo Ground volunteer Tash Sinclair today joined Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience Cath Stone and representatives from Victorian emergency services to launch this year's blood drive at the Melbourne Donor Centre.
ACFO Pröbstl made his own plasma donation today and rallied CFA's 52,000 members, encouraging them to donate blood or plasma at their convenience before 31 August.
"Our members always rise to the occasion for worthy causes and the Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive is no exception," he said.
"I hope our members can get behind the challenge once again this year to help save lives.
"Making a blood donation takes about one hour of your time and you can make a significant difference to someone else's life."
Kangaroo Ground firefighter Tash Sinclair represented CFA's volunteer cohort at today's launch and urged all her colleagues to roll up their sleeves and give blood during this year's blood drive.
"It's such a worthy cause and you need to remind yourself that the people receiving your donation don't have time on their side either.
"You just have to decide to put aside a short amount of time and get it done."
CFA members are encouraged to donate from now until 31 August to be a part of this challenge.
You can register to donate at www.lifeblood.com.au.
To find a donor centre near you visit www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre.
