THE challenge is on - MidCoast Water's blood donors are set to do their bit for the community, and hope to retain the Platelet Plate as a result.
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The MidCoast Water team is taking on the blood donor team from Greater Taree City Council in a challenge to see which organisation can give them most blood and plasma donations between now and the end of November.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service in Taree will keep tally and each time an employee, their family or friends makes a donation, points will go towards the final tally.
A trophy will be awarded to the organisation that scores the most points at the end.
While both teams are 'in it to win it' - the real aim is to encourage blood donation within MidCoast Water and Greater Taree City Council.
With the Taree Blood Donor Centre having a relatively small donor pool compared to the population in the Manning and Great Lakes, it is hoped the challenge might also encourage members of the wider community to donate.
The two organisations last challenged for the Platelet Plate back in 2010, with MidCoast Water taking out the donation tally on that occasion.
"While MidCoast Water had a number of regular blood and plasma donors the challenge has already inspired a number of employees to sign up and become donors - so from that point of view it is already doing what we set out to achieve," MidCoast Water's general manager Robert Loadsman said.
The Taree Blood Donor Centre's community relations officer, Greg French, has given talks to interested staff at both MidCoast Water and Greater Taree City Council to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.
"With one in three Australians needing blood or blood products during their life, and only one in 30 donating we are hopeful this challenge will not only increase the blood stocks but will encourage others to take up the challenge of being a blood donor."