Bleeding for a cause: Melbourne locals break blood donation record

The Melbourne CBD’s blood donor centre on Collins St has seen a new record set for the highest number of blood donations in a single day.

February 26 saw 79 CommBank staff members roll up their sleeves to donate blood, joining a nationwide effort by CommBank's Lifeblood team to set a record for the highest number of blood donations in a day.  

In total, 552 staff members donated blood across the country, breaking the previous record – held by Who is Hussain – of 336 through more than 200 donations.

Of the 79 locals who donated, more than half were first-time donors. Many of the participants dressed in all-yellow outfits, transforming the event into a cheerful occasion as colleagues came together to save lives by donating much-needed blood and plasma.

Lifeblood relationship manager Wendy Todd told CBD News that she was thrilled with the turnout.

“There was so much positive energy in the Melbourne donor centre, with the donors enjoying the process of banding together to make a difference for patients in need. Each donation will save up to three lives,” Ms Todd said.

Blood donations are now more crucial than ever, with the pandemic contributing to a decline in donations.

Hybrid work models have made it more difficult for people to donate through workplace initiatives. As the demand for plasma reaches new heights and blood demand hits a 12-year high in Australia, workplace donation programs are becoming an increasingly important source of supply.

The Red Cross’s Lifeblood Teams initiative seeks to address this by encouraging people to donate blood collectively, fostering connections among colleagues while helping save lives.

However, the pandemic is not the sole factor contributing to decreased blood donations. The rise of remote work and the decline in face-to-face interaction have made it harder for communities to connect.

Donating blood as a group can help bridge this gap, offering a bonding experience while also creating a genuine sense of doing good for a cause larger than any individual.

Ms Todd encouraged other workplaces to create their own Lifeblood Team and book appointments to donate blood.

CommBank is not the only company with a Lifeblood team.

Currently, more than 11,000 workplace teams donate blood for Lifeblood, contributing more than 450,000 donations last year. Some employers even offer special blood donation leave for employees, allowing them to donate during work hours.

Ms Todd congratulated CommBank on its impressive effort and said she hoped that these donors would not only continue donating but inspire others to do the same.

Mother and daughter duo Maeve and Paula Fitzgerald donated together.

“We hope to see all of the donors, including the 46 new donors, return again and again and encourage others to follow their lead as Lifeblood aims for more than 100,000 new donors across Australia in 2025,” she said.

Following ex-cyclone Alfred off the coast of Brisbane, blood supplies have become even more strained than usual. Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for donations due to a significant drop in donations caused by forced closures of donor centres during the storm.

Acting CEO Stuart Chesneau urged “anyone who may be eligible to donate to book an appointment now”, and called on "new donors to step up”.

“Between the shortfall in donations and the pre-emptive drain on our blood stocks, it means we now urgently need to replenish blood supplies right across the country,” Mr Chesneau said.

“If you’ve been waiting to find a reason to become a donor or have been thinking about coming back to donate, this is the time to act”.

To donate blood, you can check your eligibility and book an appointment on the Lifeblood website.