Flinders University has been named the highest blood donation group in South Australia at the Australian Red Cross Blood Services’ annual Red25 awards presentation in Adelaide.

University staff and students made 1184 donations last year as part of the Red25 annual challenge held by the Blood Service. Nationally, the University was the second highest donor group nationally for Red25 groups with between 5,000 and 9,999 members.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service donor services SA/NT manager Lawry Sancilio said university staff and students had saved the lives of 3552 people needing blood products, including much needed plasma.

Mr Sancilio said the Australian Red Cross Blood Service was looking for about 10,000 new donors in South Australia to help combat seasonal donor shortages around long-weekends and cold and flu outbreaks.

“A great way to become a new donor this year is to start or join an existing Red25 group,” he said.

Last year more than 1000 Red25 groups from South Australia made 38,000 donations, collectively saving the lives of 114,000 people needing blood products for cancer treatment and blood loss during childbirth.

The University of South Australia (1040) and Adelaide University (650) were the second and third highest Red25 donation groups in SA. Director of Events and Engagement, Ms Madeleine Seppelt (above), received the award on behalf of the University.

For more information call the Red25 team on 1300 886 524 or visit www.donateblood.com.au/red25.