Call for blood donors to meet ‘real need’

WELLINGTON: New Zealanders are being asked to make time this holiday season to give blood.

The New Zealand Blood Service says fewer donors typically roll up their sleeves during December and January.

‘‘There’s a real need for blood and plasma over the holiday period because the need for blood doesn’t go away but people all go away on holiday,’’ spokeswoman Asuka Burge said.

‘‘We’re really wanting people to book appointments, either before they go away, after they come back, or to find a blood drive while they’re on holiday.

‘‘We’re just asking people to take that hour over summer to donate.’’

Every year about 29,000 people needed blood or plasma. — RNZ