Orange primary school staff and parents are set to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as part of the Billy Blood Drop Challenge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The challenge will run from June to October but Bletchington Primary School community liaison officer Nicole Selwood wants to get ahead of the game to raise awareness.
"As a school we're excited to be involved in the blood donation challenge and we're determined to beat the 2019 champion, Orange Public School," she said.
"By participating in the Billy Blood Drop Challenge, we would like to create a great example for our students by teaching them from an early age the importance of donating blood and saving lives.
"It is also important for the children to start a conversation and raise awareness about why donating blood can help save someone's life."
Mrs Selwood said she will be sending regular newsletters and posting on social media to get parents on board.
"We have teachers and staff on board ready for this year's challenge and we're looking to recruit some parents too," she said.
"We are thinking about setting a goal of 125 donations."
Orange Public School parent and regular blood donor Karen Robinson said she encourages the community to join the challenge.
"My son at an early age was immune deficient and he needed blood transfusions to be able to survive," she said.
"The reason why I donate blood is because I want to be able to give back and help others who may be sick or are in need of blood products."
Mrs Robinson said she donates once a month and for those who feel apprehensive about donating blood the nurses at the blood bank are there for support.
"If you're planning on donating blood for the first time and you have concerns or are worried, the staff at Lifeblood Orange Donor Centre are incredibly friendly and helpful," she said.
"The process takes half-an-hour from your day and that donation can then go onto save multiple lives."
Lifeblood spokesperson John Feist said that this year, the aim was to reach 500 donations and 1500 lives saved.
"Make your donation count by joining school's Lifeblood team," he said.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...