The most generous gift of all

The Christmas spirit has come to the Red Cross Blood Service this week in order to encourage people to donate blood.

In an effort to rally for more donations over the festive season, Santa Claus is giving out presents to blood donors at the Clarence Street donor centre between 12 and 12:30pm until Christmas Eve.

Lisa Borges, Press Officer for the Red Cross Blood Service in NSW and ACT, said the need for blood donors was vital during the holiday season.

“The demand for blood never takes a holiday so that’s why we’re encouraging people to give blood this Christmas,” she said.

“Blood donations during this period are especially important when you consider that some blood products such as platelets only last five days after they’re donated.”

Ms Borges urged the public to support the cause.

“We’re hoping that people will come in and help give the gift that money can’t buy,” she said.

Ms Borges urged people that were unable to make it to Clarence Street to visit the Red Cross mobile donor unit which would be at the Sydney Harbour foreshore on Boxing Day.

According to the Red Cross Blood Service the demand for blood donations and especially platelets peaks at holiday times when the incidence of road accidents and trauma increases, while blood donations fall as people take a break away from home.

Australia needs 26,000 blood donations every week to ensure there is enough for those who need it.

One in three people will need blood at some stage during their lifetime but only one in thirty people currently give blood.