The Sydney Swans and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood will theme Sydney’s Round 24 match of the AFL Premiership season as “Round 42”, to highlight that donated blood has a shelf life of just 42 days and remind Australians of the importance of blood donation this winter.
A giant Sydney Swans guernsey sculpture filled with deep crimson liquid will today be unveiled at the Sellers and Colless Centre, Sydney Swans HQ. Beginning this week, it will slowly empty over 42 days, creating a visible countdown that mirrors the shelf-life of the red cell component of donated blood.
The campaign comes as new Lifeblood research reveals almost 95% of Australians don’t know how long donated blood lasts - a fact that could be hampering people from donating more regularly.
In the lead-up to the Swans Round 24 clash with North Melbourne at the SCG in late August, the 42 Day Guernsey acts as a reminder of the ongoing need for blood donations during the winter footy season.
“Our match days at the SCG bring people together and this is a fantastic opportunity for our players, members and fans to rally behind something that can make a genuine difference beyond football,” said Matthew Pavlich, Sydney Swans CEO.
“Round 42 is about encouraging the AFL community to give back, because it’s the small, consistent acts of generosity that help save lives.”
By activating at Sydney’s final game of the home and away season, the Swans and Lifeblood are aiming to turn match-day attention into lasting action, encouraging more Australians to donate regularly and help maintain a stable blood supply.
“Blood is a precious and finite resource, and blood donations don’t last forever. In fact, the red cell component of a donation only lasts 42 days,” said Stephen Cornelissen AM, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood CEO.
“We hope Round 42 motivates more people to start donating and keep coming back, so patients can access donated blood when and where they need it.”
The 42-Day Guernsey will be on display to the public at the Sellers and Colless Centre, Sydney Swans HQ, inside the Royal Hall of Industries Moore Park, from Wednesday 15th July to the end of Round 24 in August.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Lifeblood app.
