The SSAA has issued a call to arms for members to donate blood in the build-up to Christmas. With more than 165,000 members, it is a great chance for them and their families to roll up their sleeves and help to save lives by becoming blood donors.
The harsh facts are that Australia needs more than 27,000 blood donations per week. But only one in 30 Australians give blood, when it is estimated that one in every three will require blood at some point during their lifetime. Statistically, one single donation could save up to three lives.
The festive period will be a crucial time, as the holidays mean there are fewer days to collect donations. Also people may be travelling away from home during the break and be unable to donate.
The SSAA has done its bit to assist in this medical lifeline. The organisation has created a Club Red group linked to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, which allows members to donate blood and at the same time see how many lives can be saved by the procedure.
However, there are eligibility criteria that have to be enforced. These safeguards are to protect donors’ health and safety, as well as the recipients of potential blood donations. Even so, if you are between the ages of 16 and 70, with a weight of more than 45kg, you could be on the way to performing a lifesaving deed. Eligibility is best discussed after booking your initial appointment with the service and completing your Donor Questionnaire.
Once these starting steps have been negotiated, or if you are already an existing blood donor, you can sign on with the Club Red group project. When the prompt comes up to add the organisation name, please type ‘Sporting Shooters Association of Australia.’
Your generous donation could save someone who is battling cancer or other serious medical conditions, recovering from surgery or an accident, pregnant or giving birth.