Wodonga TAFE’s Community Services students raising awareness for Blood and Organ donations with on-campus project ‘Blood 4 the Border’

Tuesday, 29 October 2019

Students completing Certificate IV in Community Services at Wodonga TAFE are presenting a project this week to create a sense of community on campus, raise awareness, and generate discussion about the need for more blood and organ donors. The student-led event ‘Blood 4 the Border’ will be held this Wednesday 30 October 2019 from 12pm-2pm on campus with a fun Halloween theme.

The students have focused their project on the current demand for blood and organ donation within our local and national community and are working closely with ‘Red Cross’ and ‘Donate Life’ to be able to assist them with future sign-ups and donations. All proceeds raised from games, activities and donations throughout the day’s event will be donated to ‘Donate Life’.

Students developed a budget within their classes that they will be using to fund decorations and resources to ensure a successful event. The student-led event will feature Halloween activities including dressing up, fashion parade, kids hour, games and prizes. Wodonga TAFE’s onsite cafeteria will also participate in the Halloween-themed event by providing red foods, supported by VCAL students and students in the Disability Programs who are baking and producing a food stall.

Community Services teacher at Wodonga TAFE, Ms Cathy Prior, said the students were very keen to raise greater awareness across the community about the current national shortage of blood and organ donors. “Throughout their Certificate IV in Community Services course our students are developing the skills to take into future employment where they will be able to provide support and advocacy within their community, most often to people who experience disadvantage.”

Ms Prior said that ’Blood 4 the Border; give blood for life’ is a relevant event based on the demand for blood and organ donations nationally and locally. “The students are taking this opportunity to raise awareness and share knowledge and real stories around blood and organ donors and recipients”, continued Ms Prior. “This will include bringing together the TAFE community and creating a sense of belonging at Wodonga TAFE.”