By REBECCA BILLS
YEAR 11 and 12 Upwey High School students rolled up their sleeves to give blood last Wednesday to help save lives.
Initiated by school captain Danielle Weisgerber, 13 students took part in the initiative after learning the benefits of giving blood.
The blood drive is part of Upwey High School’s school captain initiative program where student leaders undertake an initiative to benefit the school and the wider community.
“We initially had 18 students who were going to partake but that dropped to 13 after their suitability was disqualified on the day,” she said.
“However, each student who donated has been able to impact on someone’s life today which is something I certainly haven’t done in this capacity before.
“I’m so proud of everyone and the support they have given me in organising this event.”
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service said one in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime with one blood donation saving about three lives.
Miss Weisgerber said she hopes to make this an annual event on the school calendar because it helps such a respected cause and builds students relationships not only with each other but the broader community.
Upwey High School leadership co-ordinator Peter Castillo said although it is a lot of work to organise an event such as this it’s something he believes is worthwhile.
“I push them (the students) to do as much of the organisation side of things as they can as it builds on their skills, capabilities and experiences which they will be able to call upon later in life,” he said.
“It’s a lot of extra work for me but if they want to do it I’m happy to allow them to do it.”
For more information on donating blood, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.
