Invitation to the Launch of the CMCF-Red Cross Partnership
Strengthening Australia’s Blood Supply
We are excited to announce the launch of CMCF’s collaboration with Lifeblood in organising a Multicultural Blood Donation Event. As Canberra’s multicultural population continues to grow, so does the demand for blood products such as red cells, plasma, platelets, and stem cells that are specific to different ethnic groups. Matching donors with recipients from similar ethnic backgrounds can lead to better health outcomes, making your participation in this drive even more important.
Recently, a young Canberra resident urgently required a specific type of blood plasma that was unavailable locally, prompting an international request for the life-saving supply. This situation underscores the critical need for diverse blood donors in our community.
This blood drive is particularly important as it will help replenish vital blood supplies during the busy holiday period. By coming together, we can ensure essential blood products are readily available for those in need in Canberra.
We encourage all Canberrans, especially those from multicultural backgrounds, to participate in this life-saving initiative. Please share this invitation widely within your networks, at your work and encourage others to donate. A poster with further details is attached for your convenience.
On the Day
- You can begin donating as early as 7:30 AM and enjoy a hearty Lebanese BBQ afterwards.
- The formal program will start at 1:00 PM, featuring speeches, entertainment, and, of course, free food! Please register to gain access to the food.
How to Register
- We encourage you to book an appointment in advance to help the team prepare. However, walk-ins are also welcome.
- If you can’t attend on Thursday, 19th December, you are welcome to donate blood at any time during the critical holiday season. Every donation counts.
After your first donation, you’ll be able to track the number of lives saved by our collective efforts on the CMCF Lifeblood website throughout the year.
Steps to Donate – 1, 2, 3 Give!
- Register as a Blood Donor at lifeblood.com.au if you haven’t already.
- Join the CMCF Lifeblood Team by going to the “Teams” section on the Lifeblood site and selecting Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF).
- Make an Appointment via the Donate Blood app or by calling 13 14 95 to donate on Thursday, 19th December at Garema Place. Your donation will count towards our community tally, showing how many lives, we’re changing together.
- Flu Vaccination – No waiting time as long as you’re feeling well.
- COVID-19 Vaccination – You’ll need to wait 3 days after each vaccination before donating.
- Postpone Donations – if you are waiting for a COVID test result, in quarantine, or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 (must recover for at least 7 days before donating).
Reminder for Donation Day:
- You must be feeling well on the day of donation.
- Bring your Photo ID, Donor Card, or Digital Donor Card on the Lifeblood mobile app.
- Eat a substantial meal within 3 hours before donating.
- Drink 3-4 glasses of water (250ml each) within 3 hours before your donation.
- It is recommended women drink 8 glasses of water and men 10 glasses the day prior to ensure a successful donation. More successful donations lead to more lives saved.
- Your first plasma donation may take up to 1.5 hours, with each subsequent donation taking closer to 1 hour.
Where to Donate? Find a donation center near you and book your appointment to make a difference.
We look forward to your support and thank you for helping us save lives in our community.
Arif Haque
Vice Chair