City of Launceston tops Local Government Blood Donor Challenge

Published on 06 December 2017

The City of Launceston has taken out this year's Local Government Blood Challenge for Tasmania.

A total of 44 Council employees donated during the challenge, and in the process helped save 132 lives.

General Manager Michael Stretton accepted the award this morning at the Red Cross in Launceston, and in doing so, signed up to make his first donation in the process.

"Everyone involved in the Council Blood Challenge should be congratulated for making this potentially life-saving decision to donate," Mr Stretton said.

"And I also congratulate the 44 City of Launceston staff, who collectively took out the award across all Tasmanian councils, edging out the regular winners Central Coast by three donations.

"It's important that as an organisation we support such a vital service provided by the Red Cross Society, particularly as we approach the Christmas season."

Health and Wellbeing Committee chair Deon Birtwistle congratulated the committee members, who were the driving force behind the Council's improved level of participation in this year's blood challenge.

"It was exciting to see the involvement, especially from a number of first-time donors who joined-up as part of the campaign and I would encourage all staff at the City of Launceston to consider becoming a blood donor. It's an extremely critical service that Red Cross provides and one that we, as a community-minded organisation, have embraced," he said.