What began as a small pilot project in 2017 at the Kingswood campus has evolved into a driving force in life-saving initiatives and enhanced community compassion across all Western Sydney University campuses.
Originally a one-woman initiative by then student and now Western employee, Mandii Carr launched the pilot program in collaboration with Lifeblood Red Cross and the SRC. Since the founding of the program, the Western community’s dedication to donating blood has saved thousands of lives.The program is now care-taken between Mandii Carr and Western staff member Grant Murray.
The original Kingswood campus drive in 2017 saved more than 50 lives (Mandii Carr, Careers and Employability at Western), marking a successful first year that spurred the expansion of the much-needed program. By 2019, Western had expanded the program to include all campuses; extending the program’s impact and raising the life-saving count to a remarkable 537 (Mandii Car, Careers and Employability at Western).
In 2022 the program evolved even further, with the introduction of the Lifesavers Shield, an annual contest encouraging friendly rivalry between Western’s campuses. In 2022, the university collected 336 donations that saved approximately 1000 lives. Last year, the drive continued to save 735 more lives with 245 donations (Mandii Carr, Careers and Employability).
Since the program piloted in 2017, 92 Western donors have made 820 donations saving approximately 2,460 lives.
Perpetual trophies are awarded annually to the campus saving the most lives, the campus with the most donations, and the campus with the newest donors. The trophies are displayed in the student engagement space in Building N on Kingswood campus.
The Lifeblood initiative has exciting prospects for the future. Murray hopes that Western can improve the partnership with Lifeblood.
(Trophies are awarded annually to the campus saving the most lives, the campus with the most donations, and the campus with the newest donors | Photo by Ellie Winter, 2024).
‘We have presented to some relevant areas of the university that could help formalise a partnership; this could involve some volunteer and community development recognition for students and staff, as well as perhaps even placements at Lifeblood if it is something academically viable. We are just waiting to see how further initiatives could practically work’.
One donation from each one of Western’s (approximate) 5,446 staff members will have a huge impact and possibly save up to 16,338 lives. If Western’s current (approximate) 47,530 students donated, 142,590 lives could be saved.
SRC Representative Romonda Eid from Liverpool campus has been driving results in the Lifeblood blood drives for the past three years. She is inspired to raise awareness by community stories such as a young child dying from leukaemia, or someone who has a rare blood disorder and relies on generous blood and plasma donations.
‘I myself being sick with illnesses which prevent me from donating is really hard because I’ve come into situations where my loved ones have needed lifesaving blood donations, and we never think it’s ever going to happen to us, but unfortunately, it does… the sad reality is, 1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime but only 1 in 30 people will donate. That’s very bad odds’.
‘If I’m able to just somehow spread the word, educate or even chat to people about the cause, then my job is somewhat “done.” I got involved with Lifeblood because I witnessed firsthand the lifesaving work that goes into blood donations, and its lifesaving values. Without Lifeblood, many people will die, it’s simple and very sad at the same time’.
With Liverpool campus taking first place and the perpetual trophy for “most new donors” in 2023, Miss Eid is confident that Liverpool campus will take first place again. Liverpool campus is currently leading the way with 26 donations and 78 lives saved.
Much encouragement and teamwork is required when it comes to asking for blood donations. If you are unable to donate blood, you can get involved in other ways, such as educating others on the “why” and “how” of blood donation.
Beginning in May, Victoria University’s Lifeblood Team has eleven new donors in 2024. As of November 2024, Victoria University has saved 1,002 lives. Western Sydney Universities Lifeblood campaign began on the first of September, in under three months our community has saved 261 lives. With under a month to go, it is time to join the WSU Lifeblood Team, roll up our sleeves and donate blood.
“I am proud that we have the ability at Western Sydney University to have such a lifesaving and impactful collaboration with Lifeblood” says Murray.
For further follow up please contact Grant Murray, Student Representative Officer via email: g.murray@westernsydney.edu.au
