The Billy Blood Drop Challenge encourages teachers and parents to give blood between July and November, with a trophy going to the school with the most donations.

Community relations officer John Feist said students couldn’t donate until they were 18, but they could be convincing with their elders.

“They’re awesome at persuading,” he said. 

“They’re all aware of the age they can start driving, but if we can make them aware that blood donation is something they can do when they turn 18, that’s fantastic.”

The challenge will include seven schools this year: Bletchington, Orange, Orange East and Calare public schools, Anson Street School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. 

Orange Public School won the challenge last year, with 84 donations. 

Collectively, six schools raised 239 donations, saving 717 lives. 

The goal this year is 750 lives saved.

To make your donation count, tell staff at the Kite Street donor centre to add it to your school of choice. 

Blood can be donated once every three months and plasma every two weeks.