The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies visited the Lifeblood Civic Plasma Donor Centre in support of the Australian Red Cross and Movember's joint initiative to inspire millions of men across the country to donate blood or plasma.
Squad members Ollie Sapsford, Connal McInerney, Ed Kennedy and Hudson Creighton found time in their first week back for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific preseason to attend and learn more about the campaign and it's focus to engage with donors and grow awareness of blood donation amongst men.
To mark the partnership with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Movember co-founder Travis Garone designed a limited-edition bandage that will be wrapped around arms of blood and plasma donors throughout November.
The Garone designed 'Brothers in Arms' bandages which display a curled handle-bar moustache in the shape of two clasping hands on a cool blue backdrop, hopes to spark conversations about donating blood amongst friends and family.
Brumbies' back Sapsford, learnt of the low statistics of blood donation amongst men in Australia and how the outcome of donating can be a rewarding experience for donors.
"One person donating can save up to three lives which is huge. Having a positive impact on lives is amazing."
The organisation is focused on being active in the ACT and Southern NSW region, with the Club striving to provide more support in the surrounding Canberra area.
"The Brumbies is all about engaging with the community, we're a Canberra side. We're all in with the community, it's not just us," Sapsford added.
"It is about Canberra, it is about the locals and so it is good to engage with everyone present who are donating their time and blood to save lives."
The Movember bandage is part of Lifeblood’s 2023 True Colours campaign. The campaign sees Lifeblood partner with Australian artists and designers to create limited-edition bandages to help boost blood donations while ensuring donors look and feel great while donating.
The Movember bandages will be available at Lifeblood donor centres nationwide from 1 November while stocks last.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app.
