By Alesha Capone
Victorian State Emergency Service members and volunteers are putting in a red-hot effort to boost blood donations to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood organisation over three months.
Since June, 147 individual VICSES members have made 251 blood donations to the Red Cross, as part of the Emergency Services Blood Challenge.
The annual challenge, which runs until August 31, involves emergency services organisations across the state participating in a friendly competition to see which service can make the most blood donations.
The SES Wyndham West Unit controller, Clifford Heri, is an active blood donor.
Mr Heri said although the VICSES has a smaller number of members than other emergency services, such as police and the CFA, SES members have been doing well in this year’s challenge.
“We are proud to say we have done our bit and are punching above our weight,” he said.
Mr Heri, a former Red Cross volunteer, said he usually donated blood and plasma at the Lifeblood Werribee Donor Centre.
He described the staff there – who follow a set of pandemic health and safety regulations – as “very friendly and capable”.
“I’d encourage anyone who is thinking about donating blood, but not sure, to give it a go,” Mr Heri said.
“It’s such a simple thing but it can make a world of difference to people who need blood.
“It seems scary, and I personally don’t like needles, but I haven’t had any challenges there.”
Mr Heri said that as a bonus, blood donors were always given something to eat after making a donation.
“My favourite is the fruitcake,” he said.
Details: www.donateblood.com.au
