Amid the festive cheer, the call to save lives echoes louder than ever.
With blood demand at its highest point in a decade, each blood contribution becomes crucial in maintaining a steady supply during this critical period.
As the holiday season unfolds, the need for blood intensifies, with accidents and emergencies becoming more frequent.
A simple yet profound act of donating blood can be the lifeline for someone facing a medical crisis.
Hospitals nationwide, from trauma units to surgical suites, rely on a consistent blood supply to meet the demands of patients in critical need, such as road trauma victims, those requiring surgery, women in childbirth and cancer patients.
Lifeblood, facing the challenge of collecting 33,000 weekly donations across Australia, requires around 135,000 donations in December alone.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas emphasises that the need for blood doe not take a holiday and urges Victorians to make the gift of life a priority:
“If there is one gift you give this Christmas, let it be the gift of life,” she says.
“Donating may not be top of mind in the lead-up to the festive season, but the demand for blood never stops.”
Contributions are a matter of life and death, with one in three people requiring blood or its products in their lifetime.
Chris Sutton, a dedicated donor for 30 years, was prompted to start donating after her child needed a blood transfusion.
Her message is simple: “Have a go!”
“We are so lucky to have a service that’s so easily accessible in Shepparton,” she says.
Wayne Wilton, a donor for the 281st time, says he sees donating as “a catch-up with family”, highlighting his friendship with staff and fellow donors.
Knowing that he helps people who rely on those donations to survive is particularly meaningful to Wayne.
Sue Cosgriff, a steadfast donor for 50 years, says donating to a good cause “feels good” while also serving as a health check.
Sue’s dedication is unwavering: “I will keep donating for as long as I can!”
Donating blood only takes an hour; it’s an act of kindness that brings joy and healing to those in desperate need.
Let’s unite in this life-saving mission and unleash the power of giving far beyond the holiday season.
To be part of this noble cause, find a blood donor centre by calling 13 14 95, visiting Lifeblood’s website, or downloading the Donate Blood app.