Mr Chester, the Gippsland MHR, and Wellington Shire mayor Cr McCubbin rolled up their sleeves at the Red Cross Blood Service to take part in the Sale Blood Challenge on Wednesday.

The launch of the Sale Blood Challenge coincided with the start of the new financial year and the service is urging people to make a life-saving deposit to the blood bank.

Sale Blood Challenge co-ordinator Lance Hunt said he believed the current challenge could be one of the most successful yet with enough community support.

"There are many people out there that could be saving lives with just one hour of their time,'' he said.

"If you are fit and healthy and aged 16 to 70 you may be eligible to donate blood.''

One in three Australians will need blood at some stage in their life but right now only one in 30 people give blood.

Local businesses, schools and community groups are encouraged to compete and see who can register the most blood donations in three months.

People also have the chance to find out their blood type while visiting the Sale Donor Centre.

To make an appointment phone 131495.