Blood donations received during the Charles Sturt University (CSU) inter-campus blood donation challenge will help save 654 lives.The CSU inter-campus blood donation drive ran from 1 March to 1 July 2018 and involved all six CSU main campuses.Mr John Feist from the Australian Red Cross Blood Service said over the four-month period 925 donations were made by University staff and students.“At Charles Sturt University in Bathurst alone we received 218 donations making it the second highest number across the University’s six campuses,” Mr Feist said.Returning to CSU in Bathurst, the Red Cross mobile blood unit will take blood donations over three days.CSU in Bathurst appointment times: Monday 13 August from 9.15am to 3.45pm.Tuesday 14 August from 9.15am to 1.30pmWednesday 15 August from 9.15am to 3.45pmMr Feist said winter is a particularly challenging time with over 1,000 appointments cancelled each week.“Cold and flu season causes many to cancel their appointments, so we need as many fit and healthy people to step up and donate,” Mr Feist said.CSU in Bathurst student liaison officer Mr Scott Hatch said the inter-campus blood donation challenge had become an annual event that helped connect the University with the community.“To participate in the challenge, staff and students should register as a member of the ‘CSU Bathurst’ Red25 group,” Mr Hatch said.“To book an appointment students can call 13 1495 or go to www.donateblood.com.au. If they can’t make the visit on campus, the mobile unit is in Bathurst every month at the McDonald’s car park on Durham Street,” Mr Hatch said.