Steve’ Santa’ Whisker has called on Canberrans to get into the giving spirit and donate blood or plasma. Photo: Supplied.
Canberrans have been urged to embrace the season for giving by booking an appointment to donate blood or plasma before going on holiday.
An additional 1400 donors are needed in Canberra to boost supplies before Christmas Day. There is a particular need for people with blood type A.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood spokesperson Sally Deveson said an Australian needs blood or plasma every 18 seconds, and demand increases over Christmas.
“Donating blood and plasma doesn’t cost anything, but for a patient, it is life-changing. For some, it could mean spending another Christmas with family and friends. For others, it will be the key to a fuller life,” she said.
“With 1 in 3 Aussies needing blood or blood products in their lifetime, our message this Christmas is to give a gift you know is at the top of someone’s wish list.”
People have been urged to book an appointment before heading off on their holidays, as this period can cause local donations to drop off.
“With many donors planning to travel over Christmas and the summer holiday period, we are urging anyone who can 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 Deveson said.
“More than 80 per cent of the population has an O or A blood group, meaning these blood types are most in demand by hospitals.”
Steve’ Santa’ Whisker checking in to the Garran Donor Centre to donate plasma. Photo: Supplied.
Donated blood and blood products can be used for people who have been in serious accidents, during cancer treatment or surgery, or following complicated childbirths.
Steve Whisker added some festivity to his 219th donation at the Garran Donor Centre, dressing as Santa.
He used this visit to donate platelets, which will be used by cancer patients.
Mr Whisker stressed the giving spirit shouldn’t just exist during the festive season.
“It’s important to give the gift of life not just at Christmas but all year round,” he said.
Given the need for blood and plasma never stops, the Garran Donor Centre will even be open on Christmas Day.
The Garran Blood Donor Centre is located at 3 Dann Close, Garran. The Civic Plasma Donor Centre is open every day except Christmas.
Bookings can be made online, by calling 13 14 95 or through the Donate Blood app.
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