The Rockhampton community has benefited from CQU staff and students supporting 2 recent activities to help others.

This ongoing relationship is being encouraged by the University's Development Office. 

The first of the recent events was the Red Cross Winter Blood Challenge for which 36 people from Rockhampton Campus donated blood, some for the first time ever. These donations will help save the lives of 108 other people.

The Red Cross had a presence on campus recently and staff and students helped out for the blood challenge

Thanks to the efforts of these very special people, Queensland had the most number of registered blood donations compared to all other states in Australia.

"Everyone here at the Rockhampton Blood Donor Centre would like to extend an enormous thank you for CQU's exceptional support during the Winter Blood Challenge," says Australian Red Cross Blood Service's Liaison Officer Rachael Speechley.

"The staff were all extremely excited to have CQU on board and were impressed at the level of commitment shown during the challenge."

Even though the Winter Blood Challenge has finished the need for blood, and blood related products, never ceases.

Donate with a Mate, where you are encouraged to donate with a friend, colleague or partner, is held in October and November. Two arms are better than one!

For more information or to register for the campaign visit http://content.cqu.edu.au/UniNews/www.matesdonate.com.au

Part of the CPR record attempt

The second recent event was the CPR Challenge held by the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Development Office Community Liaison Officer Glenys Kirkwood said "it was very pleasing to see both students and staff in there, enthusiastically pumping away on the specially marked pillows that were issued for the occasion, and leaving confident that they were better equipped to assist a family member or colleague with CPR in the event of an emergency".

The Challenge was part of a successful Queensland attempt to break the Western Australian-held record for the most people learning CPR skills at the same time in multiple (50) venues throughout the state.

Development Office Manager Suzi Blair said the Office had a key goal to help connect CQU staff and students with their local community.

"These 2  events have been perfect examples where individuals could benefit while contributing their support to local community organisations," she said.

CQU staff member Leonie Challacombe helps out at the blood challenge

Meanwhile, the Development Office is also urging involvement in Pink Ribbon Day - the breast cancer awareness/fundraiser arranged by The Cancer Council Queensland.

On Monday October 22, the Office is hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast fundraiser from 8am-9am at the Capricornia College Senior Common Room.

DVC Professor Angela Delves is the guest speaker for the breakfast function.

Details and bookings are available via Reegan Bickey on r.bickey@cqu.edu.au or 4923 2722.