GIVE THE CHRISTMAS GIFT OF LIFE
What’s a Christmas gift that doesn’t come in plastic packaging, is something you’ll never have to wrap, but can potentially save a life? Blood, plasma and platelets.
Over the Christmas school holidays in particular, supply and demand both undergo their greatest upheaval because regular donors take a break and head out of town, reducing supply for a steady demand, according to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (ARCL).
“We’ve got more public holidays, meaning our regular donors may go away for a while and we need people to step in and fill that gap. The need for blood never goes on holiday,” Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Dubbo’s
Debbie Garden said.
Coastal fires have also forced the closure of donor centres at Taree, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, and a pop-up centre at Byron Bay, meaning around 15 per cent of NSW blood supplies are not available.
Time really is of the essence for platelets which only last for five days after donation.
Platelets are used in the treatment of cancer, leukaemia (particularly during chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants), surgery, trauma and liver disease.
This Sunday, December 1, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is launching their Biggest Secret Santa campaign to encourage people to give the gift of life.
Donations are anonymous (the Secret
Santa), however donors will receive a gift card to share with a friend or family member over the festive season, letting them know a donation was made on their behalf.
Last year 121,000 donors gave during the first Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa.
Giving blood at Christmas makes life a little easier for patients and their families who already find this time of year particularly hard.
Pictured with Mr Claus (who is available for hire, call 0456 377 726) are ARCL staff, left to right, Stacie Wilkonson, Kendy Thomas, Suanne Taunton, Debbie Garden, and Kathrine Asimus, as well as resident Peter Little who was giving blood for the 51st time since he was 18 years old.