The blood challenge is on.
City of Victoria employees are battling other public service departments across British Columbia for a chance to be the biggest blood donor.
New this year, the Guns and Hoses Challenge, for the police and fire department, is joining forces with the Public Service Challenge.
They're being combined for a greater impact, said Catherine Sloot, of the Canadian Blood Services Victoria-Vancouver Island branch.
Friends of family of public servants are welcome to participate, said Sloot. Simply sign in under the team you wish to support when you donate blood at the clinic at 3449 Saanich Rd.
In 2010, Immigrations Canada, B.C. Public Service Agency, and the Regional District of Fraser Fort George won the competition for the highest rate of participation among employees.
Within the City of Victoria, police donated the most, at 29 units. Fire and municipal employees followed at 18 and 22 units respectively.
The challenge runs June 13 to Aug. 13. It's a way to bring in new donors at a time when many regular donors are away on vacation, said Sloot. Donations are low during the summer, "yet the need never stops."
To book an appointment, call 1-888-236-6283. Check out the website, www.bloodservices.ca, for upcoming blood typing clinics.