160 Donors Needed for Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa

Toowoomba Blood Donor Centre needs 160 more people to donate and help prevent a possible shortage of blood stocks vital to the treatment of cancer patients.

To celebrate Secret Santa this December, donors will be given a Christmas gift tag to give to a loved one saying they’ve donated blood on their behalf.

Blood Service spokesperson Sandee Thompson urged Toowoomba locals to give blood or plasma, saying it was the most important Secret Santa they’ll ever give.

“If Secret Santa is about giving anonymous gifts, designed to make someone’s day, then blood donation really is Australia’s ultimate Secret Santa exchange,” she said.

“Blood will be needed by road accident patients, pregnant mums, cancer patients and even premature babies throughout this festive season.  

“With many people taking a well-deserved break these holidays, Australia’s Blood Service needs people who are able to donate, to step-up and be a life-changing Secret Santa to Australian patients in need, ensuring no one misses out on receiving this incredible gift.”

Mrs. Thompson said stocks of platelets, a blood component vital to the treatment of cancer patients, were particularly at risk during the Christmas period.

“It takes four blood donations to make just one bag of platelets and they only last for five days, so donors are constantly needed to ensure cancer patients get this vital product.

“Your blood donation will be the ultimate gift to Australian patients this Christmas – and will have a far reaching impact on the lives you save, and the lives of their loved ones.

“So this Christmas we’re urging Toowoomba locals to take part in Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa by making an appointment to give blood between 10^th and 24^th December.”

The Blood Service is hoping to welcome 10,000 new donors this month to meet Australia’s growing blood needs.  There’s never been a better time to become a blood donor.

TOOWOOMBA BLOOD DONOR CENTRE:

661 Ruthven Street (enter via Bernoth Centre, parking at rear)

Mon, Wed, Thu:     7.30am – 7.30pm

Tue:                      11.00am – 7.30pn

Fri:                        7.30am – 2.30pm

Sat:                      8.00am – 2.00pm

To make an appointment to give blood or find out more about Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au

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