The Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) Blood Challenge is Australia’s largest annual blood donation event. Each year, Navy, Army, Air Force and Defence civilians compete to see who can make the most number of donations to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. This year’s challenge ran from 1 September to 30 November and produced an enormous 3295 donations, an increase of more than 1100 on last year’s event.
“The goal was 3000 donations and this was well and truly surpassed,” Air Marshal Binskin announced.
“This is an extraordinary result and is a wonderful reflection on the men and women in Defence who stepped up to the challenge.
“I’m really proud of this achievement and I thank everyone who was involved. Ultimately the winner of the Blood Challenge is the Australian community.
“Defence’s contributions will potentially save more than 9800 lives in the community.”
Australian Red Cross Blood Service Chief Executive, Jennifer Williams, thanked the Australian Defence Organisation for its continued generosity.
"We are extremely grateful for the support of the Australian Defence Organisation whose donations help save thousands of seriously ill Australians every year," Ms Williams said.
"All staff and personnel should be extremely proud of their record-breaking achievement this year.
"As always, they have led by example and provided a great inspiration to other Australians, showing that even in their busy schedules they can still find an hour of their time to give blood, which could mean a lifetime to a fellow Australian."
Army won the title for the greatest number of donations with 1191. On a per capita basis, Air Force took the honours with 919.
“I’m proud of our members and our Army families and friends this year for rolling up their sleeves to donate to the Defence Blood Challenge,” Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison said.
“Taking out the top spot for the second year in a row demonstrates Army’s commitment in times of need, not only in a domestic capacity, but as members of the community too.”