BLOOD SERVICE CALLS ON SECRET SANTAS
MORE than 850 Geelong blood donors are needed over the Christmas and New Year period to prevent a possible shortage of blood stocks vital to the treatment of cancer patients.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is also calling for 2576 blood donations in Geelong by the end of December.
Blood Service spokeswoman Stephanie Reynolds said stocks of platelets, a blood component vital to the treatment of cancer patients, were particularly at risk.
“It takes four blood donations to make just one bag of platelets for patients and they only last for five days, so donors are constantly needed to ensure cancer patients get this vital product,” Ms Reynolds said.
“Blood will be needed by road accident patients, pregnant mums, cancer patients and even premature babies every day this Christmas and New Year’s.”
The service is calling for donations of all blood types from Friday to January 2.
Ms Reynolds urged locals to give blood, saying it was the most important Secret Santa they would ever do.
“Your blood donation will be the ultimate gift to Australian patients this Christmas — and will have a far-reaching impact on the lives you save, and the lives of their loved ones,” she said.
“With many people taking time off this holiday season we need those who can to step up and be a lifechanging Secret Santa to Australian patients in need, ensuring no one misses out on receiving this incredible gift.”
To celebrate this Secret Santa exchange, blood donors who give blood or platelets will receive a text message to let them know where their Secret Santa gift was sent.
They will also receive a Christmas gift tag to give to a loved one saying they’ve donated blood on their behalf.
“So this Christmas we’re urging Geelong locals to take part in Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa exchange by making an appointment to give blood between 21 December and 2 January,” Ms Reynolds said.
The Blood Service is hoping to welcome 10,000 new donors this month to meet Australia’s growing blood needs.
To make an appointment to give blood call 131 495 or visit donateblood.com.au