The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is calling for 100,000 people to become blood and plasma donors, as it launches a new campaign asking people to find their reason to give.
With demand for blood at a 12-year-high and plasma demand at record levels, Lifeblood is urging 100,000 Australians – the same number of people who will fill the MCG for Saturday’s AFL Grand Final – to roll up their sleeves for the very first time.
Just over 560,000 active donors currently maintain the blood and plasma supply for our population of almost 27 million, but new donors are crucial to continue to meet the growing nation’s needs.
Lifeblood’s Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone said a new blood donor is needed every four minutes in Australia and our challenge is to get 100,000 new donors to have a reason to come through our doors in the next 12 months to prevent a donor shortage.
“We know 100,000 people will show up if they have a compelling reason to do so, like cheering on their team at the MCG. We’re calling on 100,000 people to find their reason to show up to donate blood and plasma,” Cath said.
“It might be for a family member battling cancer, to give a patient more time with their family, or it might simply be for the free party pies or the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping save a stranger’s life.”
High-profile Aussies, including comedian Dave Hughes and AFL premiership player Ben Brown and his wife Hester, have joined Lifeblood in calling on the community to find a reason to donate.
For Hughesy, the joy of giving is the reason he donates as often as he can.
“I’m O negative, so am a universal donor. It’s great to know everyone can use my blood,” Hughes said.
“It’s an easy, fun experience and the joy really is in the giving. I visit as often as I can.”
