• The Charles Sturt University 2021 Intercampus Blood Donation Challenge demonstrates the University’s ethos and values
• Charles Sturt students and staff had made 319 donations across all campuses as at Wednesday 31 March, helping to save 957 lives
• The Challenge aims to save 2,600 lives by the close of the 2021 Challenge on 30 June

The Charles Sturt University 2021 Intercampus Blood Donation Challenge is in full swing and already saving hundreds of lives.

As at Wednesday 31 March students and staff have made 319 donations in total across all campuses, helping to save 957 lives.

Director of External Engagement (Orange and Bathurst) Ms Julia Andrews thanked all the Charles Sturt student and staff donors and said their donations were a truly commendable expression of the University’s ethos and values.

“The regular blood donations by the University’s students and staff show their personal generosity and practical expression of being inclusive and impactful to help make a world worth living in,” Ms Andrews said.

“This is a fantastic effort so far and well on track to help us reach this year’s Challenge target of 2,600 lives saved.

“Wagga Wagga is leading in total donations and Orange leads in the percentage of donations relative to the campus population.

“However, that could change with the Challenge not finishing until 30 June.”

Ms Andrews said new donors need to follow the steps below to make a donation appointment and join their relevant Charles Sturt Lifeblood Team:

• Check blood donation eligibility by undertaking the eligibility quiz via the eligibility page on the Australian Red Cross’s Lifeblood website
• If eligible, register as a new donor via the Lifeblood website by clicking on ‘Log In’ in top right hand corner or register via Donate Blood App
• Book an appointment to donate at a convenient time and location
• Once registered join your relevant Charles Sturt Lifeblood Team lifeblood team by clicking on ‘Teams’ icon at the top of your personal home page or ‘More’ and then ‘Preferences’ on the App

Existing blood donors just need to follow Step Four to join their relevant Charles Sturt Lifeblood Team.

“Donors can also boost their campus tallies by donating plasma,” Ms Andrews said.

“Plasma is a part of your blood that can be used in 18 different ways, from treating cancer to protecting people with brain disorders, and you can give it more often to boost your campus tally.”

The Lifeblood mobile donation van is not back on campus in Bathurst until July, which is outside the challenge period, so Bathurst students and staff can book an appointment to donate in town at the rear car park of McDonalds (Durham Street), when the mobile van visits that location every month.