Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is encouraging Australians to give the gift of life this Christmas, by rolling up their sleeves and donating blood.
At least 200 donors are needed to give the gift of life this season in Cranbourne.
With blood needed somewhere in Australia every 18 seconds, Lifeblood spokesperson Elle Giles said giving blood is a perfect gift idea.
“Donating blood doesn’t cost anything, but for a patient it is life changing,” Ms Giles said.
“For some, it could mean spending another Christmas with family and friends. For others, it will be the key to a fuller life.
“With one in three Aussies needing blood or blood products in their lifetime, our message this Christmas is to give a gift you know is on the top of someone’s wish list.”
The Cranbourne Pop Up particularly needs 200 donors, with most donors needed between 26th and 30th of December.
The need for blood never stops.
There will be people in hospital over the Christmas and New Year period who will be relying on donated blood for serious accidents, surgery, complicated childbirths and plasma treatment.
“With many donors planning to travel over Christmas and the summer holiday period, we are urging people to donate so we can ensure that patients in hospital who need blood every day will receive the blood and blood products they need,” Ms Giles said.
Donors who donate between before 30 December 2022, can request a ‘Gift of Life’ gift tag to either ‘gift’ their donation to someone this Christmas or to encourage others to roll up their sleeves.
Gift of Life gift cards can also be downloaded online.
“We’re urging Australians to book a donation this festive season and make a huge difference to someone who needs it. Blood donation is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give, not just at Christmas time but all-year round,” Ms Giles said.
The Cranbourne Pop Up is located at Hall 1, Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Boulevard. Please visit lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/vic/cranbourne-pop-up-donor-centre for more information and availability.
