Australian Red Cross Lifeblood needs 280 blood and plasma donors in Wyndham to give the Gift of Life this Christmas.
“Christmas is the season for giving, and there is no better gift than life,” Lifeblood spokesperson Stephanie Reynolds said.
“Donating blood only takes an hour of your time, but for a patient, it’s life-changing. That change may be a second chance, the key to a fuller life, or perhaps, it’s more time with family and friends.
“Blood is needed somewhere in Australia every 18 seconds to help cancer patients, pregnant mums, trauma patients, and many more.
“Our message this Christmas is: ‘Don’t just give something. Give everything.’ Donate blood and you can help to save up to three lives.”
The Werribee Donor Centre needs 280 donors, with the majority of donors needed between December 26 and January 3.
Stephanie said there was no substitute for blood, and a particular component called platelets only lasts for seven days.
“With many donors expected to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, and perhaps taking the opportunity to travel, the supply of platelets is a particular concern,” she said.
“It takes four blood donations to make just one bag of platelets, which plays a vital role in clotting and cancer treatment. We need a constant, fresh supply across the holidays to meet the needs of patients.”
During the festive season donors will receive a ‘Gift of Life’ gift tag to either ‘gift’ their donation to someone this Christmas or to encourage others to roll up their sleeves.
“Blood donation is one of the greatest gifts you could give. It’s free, heartfelt, and it’s not just for Christmas – we’d love to see these Secret Santas back throughout the year, because the need for blood never stops,” she said.
The Werribee Blood Donor Centre is at 7 Bridge Street.
Details: lifeblood.com.au
