Trafalgar High students organising blood drive
 Baw Baw News   By // 17:20, Thursday 18 July 2013

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SENIOR students at Trafalgar High School are organising a blood drive after a year 12 student was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Pictured: backing blood donations: Trafalgar High School year 12 students Caitlin Mooney, Lachlan Forte, Andreas Yiannacou, Tim Matheson, Abe Howard, Erica Halls, Darcie Jongerius, Emily Thomas, Catherine Johnston, Gemma Wyke and Chelsea Taylor with Kaela Boad. Supplied.

The students are aiming to get 150 donations from people in the Trafalgar district next month, but blood donations can be made at any time.


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School captain Melissa Howlett told The Warragul Citizen the whole year level was supporting the drive and the community response had been good.

“It’s the school captains organising it but the whole of year 12 has really backed it,” Ms Howlett said.

“Everyone we have talked to is excited about this great idea.

“The Rotary Club of Trafalgar and the Umpires Association have said they are going to give blood as well as many students, family members and friends.


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“The word is quickly spreading across Facebook now.”

The Trafalgar and District Blood Drive has also been promoted through word of mouth and posters around the school and region.

“We have written letters to organisations in the area and [student] Sarah Hartnell made the posters,” Ms Howlett said.

“We have had meetings with the principals and they fully back it and are wanting to organise trips during school hours when we have frees (free periods) to donate blood.

“Robbo (teacher Laura Robertson) has been talking with the Traralgon Red Cross, asking questions and letting them know about the blood drive.

“They are really excited and are providing us with great information.”

Ms Howlett said the inspiration for the drive had been the diagnosis of student Kaela Boad with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“Her situation has made us aware that one in three people will need blood in their life time, whether it be during cancer treatment, after an accident or in surgery,” she said on Facebook.


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Ms Boad told The Warragul Citizen the action meant a lot to her.

“Not only do they give blood, they also give up their time which means a lot,” Ms Boad said.

“Without donations the survival rate in most cases would be much lower.”

Blood donations can be made in the name of Trafalgar and District at any Red Cross Donation Centre in Australia.

Participants have been asked to register their donation with Club Red using Trafalgar and District as the group name.

Those seeking more information can email mel.g.howlett@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page for the event.

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One response to “Trafalgar High students organising blood drive”

  1. wombat lyons says:

    great work by these young people and the facebook pages is very popular. I sure they will bring in lots of new donations for the red cross