During a challenging year for the hospitality sector, clubs in the Mid Coast still made the time to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
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Running from September 1 to November 30, the Mid Coast Clubs Blood Challenge is an annual event seeing clubs compete for who can donate the most blood.
Again this year, Club Taree came out on top but the competition is getting fiercer with Forster Tuncurry Golf Club close on their heels.
The real winners are of course the patients across Australia who need blood or blood products every day.
"One in three of us will need blood or blood products during our lifetime," said Club Taree CEO and regular blood donor Paul Allan.
"Every time I donate I know it could be a friend or family member's life I'm going to save. It's an hour out of my time but it could make a lifetime's difference to somebody in need."
Every time I donate I know it could be a friend or family member's life I'm going to save. It's an hour out of my time but it could make a lifetime's difference to somebody in need.
- Club Taree CEO and regular blood donor Paul Allan
"I'm so proud that our community gets behind the blood challenge. It's been a difficult year for many but the people of the Mid Coast are always ready to step up and make a difference," Mr Allan said.
"Congratulations to all participating clubs on a job well done."
Donations from the challenge have never been more welcome, with blood demand at a 10 year high.
"Local blood challenges are an excellent way to increase donations and encourage new donors," said Taree donor centre manager Lynette Cassapi.
"Our club members are regular donors and support us throughout the year."
If you are wondering what to give a loved one this Christmas, make a donation on their behalf. Nothing is more special than the gift of life.
- Taree donor centre manager Lynette Cassapi
Competing clubs included Club Old Bar, Club Taree, Club West, Forster Tuncurry Golf Club, Taree Aquatic Club and Wingham Services Club. Together they made 118 donations saving up to 354 lives.
"The challenge may be over but the need for blood never stops. Throughout December and the holiday period we need to see the Mid Coast community make time to donate," Lynette said.
"If you are wondering what to give a loved one this Christmas, make a donation on their behalf. Nothing is more special than the gift of life."
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