From the 12 March to the 3 June, the Red Cross is running a friendly competition – the inaugural Tertiary Blood Challenge – between universities and TAFE providers across Australia to drive much needed blood donations and promote new donor interest.
UQ has a successful record in making donations – in 2017 UQ staff and students made 2317 donations, helping save up to 6951 lives. This makes us #1 nationally! But while worthy of celebrating, to retain the title, we can’t be complacent.
The challenge will crown winners in four categories:
- The Red25 group with the highest total donations nationally – this institution will win the perpetual Tertiary Challenge Cup
- The Red25 group with highest total donations in a state
- The Red25 group with highest number of donors vs members in a state
- The Red25 group with highest number of new donors in a state.
To have your donation counted towards UQ’s total during the competition, register and nominate your group name as ‘University of Queensland’. If you’re already a member, you can update your group name details to be counted.
If you would like to help or promote the challenge in your School, Faculty or area, you can:
- sign up to give blood, either at your local centre or the St Lucia Mobile Blood Donor Centre, between 12 March and 3 June
- encourage other staff and students to donate
- announce your donation on social media (#Red25challenge), and throw down the gauntlet to rival university or TAFE colleagues
- spread the word! Contact Red Cross local area manager Wesley Thomas (T: 07 3804 8008) for materials such as posters, tent cards for reception desks, and much more.
Visit the St Lucia Mobile Blood Donor Centre for available appointments at UQ, or visit the Tertiary Blood Challenge website for more information, printable promotional resources, and social and email templates.
