The Red Cross have started their holiday blood drive to try and encourage people to donate blood in the lead up to Christmas.
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Orange Red Cross Donor Centre manager Gale Turnbull said Christmas be a difficult time for the Red Cross, and they have put a target of 230 donations before December 25 to help meet demand.
“Some of our regulars aren’t around and we get a bit forgotten and we can’t afford to be forgotten, especially with platelets only lasting five days,” she said.
“If you’re going away, come visit us before you go or after you get back or even if you’re on holiday and visiting, feel free to pop in and see us.
“We’re so thankful for those who do pop in and give.
“All it takes is an hour, and you can save three lives with one donation.”
One donor is Greg Delaney, who has given blood and plasma over 250 times since he was 18.
“My father used to donate and it was a natural transition to that,” he said.
“I lost a son in 2006 in a car accident and we donated his organs and did a blood drive on the anniversary of his accident, and we did that for 10 years.
“That was all about raising awareness of blood donation and organ donation.”
Mr Delaney works in the health system, and while he doesn’t work in a hospital, he is “quite aware” how the pressing the need for blood can be.
“I’ve got quite a large family, but none of us have ever needed a transfusion but I like to think it’s there and available when I need it,” he said.
“[Blood] Doesn’t last long so I keep coming back.
“It’s my little community service – chocolate milkshakes at the end help too.”
The Red Cross Donor Centre is at 84 Kite Street, and donors are encouraged to call 13 14 95 to register information before visiting to donate.
The centre is open up until Christmas, and then on the 27th to the 29th before resuming as normal in the new year.