The Western Bulldogs have formed an official partnership with DonateLife, to help raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation.

The Club has long been a supporter of DonateLife, and this week moved to formalise a partnership with the Organ and Tissue Authority.

DonateLife will be the Bulldogs’ match-day partner for the Round 17 clash with the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium this Sunday.

The Club this week hosted three-year-old Maia at VU Whitten Oval, who recently benefited from a liver transplant, as well as eight-year-old Archer, who has formed a close bond with the Bulldogs after also receiving a donor liver.

“As a Club we have seen first-hand the amazing impact organ and tissue donation can have on people’s lives, and we are proud to play our part in raising awareness through formalising a partnership with DonateLife,” said Bulldogs’ CEO Ameet Bains.

“We encourage our fans and the wider AFL community to have a conversation with family and friends about organ donation and arm yourself with the right information about the positive impact it can have.”

The Australian Government today announced more than $3 million in DonateLife partnerships and community grants to help urge more Australians to sign on as organ and tissue donors, and kick-off The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week.

The Great Registration Race runs throughout July and August, with a big push during DonateLife Week, from Sunday July 25 to Sunday August 1.

The Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm and Sunshine Coast Lightning were among seven successful organisations to receive DonateLife partnerships.

“Sport can no doubt play an important role in reaching these Australians who may otherwise not know that they can sign up as organ and tissue donors,” said the Hon Dr David Gillespie.

“Engaging with a broad suite of national partners and community groups across the country helps drive the importance of organ donation into more Australian homes, leading to greater registration and increased donation.

“Increasing awareness about organ and tissue donation and encouraging families to talk about donation and registration, is vital to getting more people to say ‘yes’ to donation.

“For some of the 1800 Australians currently on the organ transplant waitlist, it’s a matter of life and death.”

The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week aims to encourage up to 100,000 more Australians to join the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Registering only takes one minute, at donatelife.gov.au/bulldogs