The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) held its annual national blood donation drive in partnership with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood on Friday 28 November 2025, with mosques and Islamic centres across the country mobilising their congregations around Juma time to pledge life-saving donations.
More than 40 mosques across every state and territory participated, from capital cities to regional centres such as Bathurst, Central Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Launceston (5 Dec) and communities across all capital cities of Australia. At several sites, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood representatives worked alongside AIMA volunteers, answering questions and guiding first-time donors.
From sunny skies in Western Australia to steady rain in South Australia and blazing heat on the east coast, attendees arrived in high spirits, keen to learn, ask questions, and register to donate. In a simple but meaningful gesture of respect, Lifeblood’s female representatives wore custom hijabs in Lifeblood colours at select locations.
Voices from the community
At a bustling Carlton Mosque in Melbourne, AIMA VIC President Dr Mo Awad reminded worshippers of the human impact behind every donation.
“One in three Australians need blood in their lifetimes. Imagine your brother, your father, your mother, your sister. If you donate now, inshaAllah that’s a favour you can return to them if they need it.”
For some, the campaign marked the beginning of their donor journey. Abid, an 18-year-old from the Sunshine Coast, registered for the very first time.
“People need blood and I think it’s good to give it if you can.”
In Queensland, the Imam of Kuraby Mosque encouraged his congregation to take part, reminding them in the khutbah:
“One donation can save up to three lives. Allah says whoever saves a life, it’s as if they saved all of humanity.”
At the Australian Islamic House in Sydney, a speaker addressed a packed Juma crowd, explaining how little blood is taken during a donation and how quickly the body replenishes it.
“When you donate, you help people with cancer, with heart issues, kidney issues.”
In the ACT, at the United Muslims of Canberra in Gungahlin, Sheikh Hamza offered words of encouragement before heading to a mobile blood donation van himself.
“I came here today to support and to help fulfil my duty to donate blood, which is the minimum of what I can do.”
He also highlighted that doctors advise on the health benefits of donating blood.
A growing national movement
AIMA National President and Drive Lead Dr Omer Shareef praised the effort of coordinators, volunteers, and communities nationwide.
“It is truly heartening to witness these beautiful moments captured across different parts of Australia especially within our mosques where we are coming together, competing in goodness, serving humanity & saving lives. This is a powerful reflection of unity in action and faith in motion.”
Since its humble beginnings in 2019, when the campaign launched with just one participating mosque, AIMA’s blood donation initiative has evolved into a nationwide movement. It aims to promote blood donation among diverse cultural and faith communities, while addressing the urgent need for a more representative donor pool that can meet the medical needs of Australia’s multicultural population.
In 2024, the campaign registered 241 new donors, contributing to 820 life-saving donations. First-time donors—particularly from underrepresented ethnic groups—play a crucial role in ensuring safe and compatible blood supplies for patients across the country.
In recognition of this growing impact, AIMA was thanked by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood for its outstanding contribution to last year’s drive, which helped boost much-needed donations during a period of national shortage.
