The Brisbane Lions will roll up their sleeves and join Lifeblood is conducting the AFL Blood Drive from 14 June to 18 August with all AFL clubs taking part – there is even a ladder, so bragging rights are up for grabs.

Today, Wednesday June 14, is World Donor Day and the Brisbane Lions headed into the Lifeblood Brisbane Donor Centre for donations and promotions.

Lions defenders Darragh Joyce and Darcy Gardiner represented the playing group and are hoping to see many people join them and donate their blood and time toward a good cause.

“There are thousands of people in Australia who need blood donations to help them in a number of different ways,” Joyce said.

“All I want to do is play my part to help someone who is in need and I feel that this is the way I can do it. Thanks to Lifeblood who is supporting the Leukaemia Foundation in their efforts to encourage Australians to donate blood.

“I ask people to join me and donate or find your local Lifeblood donation centre.”

World Blood Donor Day is incorporated into World Blood Donor Week (12 – 18 June) which is looking to raise awareness in support of the Leukaemia Foundation while encouraging Australians to roll up their sleeves and donate. 

The Lions aim to raise awareness which highlights the fact that blood cancer patients rely on lifesaving blood donations as part of their treatment.

Lifeblood in support of the Leukaemia Foundation are asking if you’re eligible to give your blood to help patients living with blood cancer, who are reliant on blood donations and to join Joyce, Gardiner and other members of the Lions community in doing so.

With more than 135,000 Australians currently living with blood cancer, as many people as possible are needed to get down to their local Lifeblood centre to roll up their sleeves and save lives.

Many people have a connection or is aware of someone who is affected by cancer.

People with blood cancer require regular donated blood products to manage their cancer, either as part of their treatment plan or to counter side effects caused by the cancer or treatment itself.

Lifeblood Brisbane Donor Centre is at 288 Edward St, Brisbane City.