That challenge is to donate blood to the Red Cross and try to beat their defence force counterparts.
Conducted between September 1 and December 8, it is the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s biggest group challenge and targets all Defence Force members, employees and families.
Also invited to roll up their sleeves and join the challenge were armed forces families and defence civilians.
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Whoever has the highest number of donors wins the challenge, Red Cross Community Relations Officer David Favory said.
“With every donation received, three lives are saved,” he said.
Regarded as the team to beat, HMAS Stirling personnel were keen to maintain their title as ‘top of the RED 25 blood donor list’ for the highest group donations by navy nationally.
On Friday, September 2, nine personnel from the School of Maritime Warfare, many of whom were first-timers, rolled up their sleeves.
Blood Service representative Jessica Willet hopes the challenge will inspire the community. “This month we still need 360 people to donate blood at Rockingham Donor Centre, with appointments on some days less than half full,” she said.
“Every donation helps to save three lives, including the lives of cancer patients, unborn babies, trauma victims and even Australian Defence Force military members.”
To make an appointment to donate, visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.