THE Australian Red Cross Blood Service has turned to youth to promote leadership and the importance of blood donation.
Last Thursday the Red Cross held a youth ambassador workshop with Bunbury Catholic College and Manea Senior College students.
The youth ambassador program educates teachers and students about giving blood and how they can help save lives.
As a youth ambassador, students are responsible for encouraging others to make blood donations as part of the 2013 Schools Challenge.
Their roles includes organising blood drives at their school, providing presentations on blood donations and booking visits to the Bunbury Blood Donor Centre.
Bunbury Blood Donor Centre spokesperson Beatrice de Casanove said it was imperative more schools got involved in the program.
“These young donors are only 16 and 17 but their generosity and community spirit make a life-saving difference to blood recipients from all over the country,” she said.
“The Schools Challenge encourages students to donate together as a group with their friends.
“Many students have found this an excellent way to overcome any nerves surrounding donating, especially for the first time.”
For more information about donating blood go to the Australia Red Cross website.
