Good Eggs Needed This Easter in Toowoomba

A low number of appointments at Toowoomba Donor Centre over the Easter and ANZAC Day public holidays has prompted the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to launch an Easter blood drive calling on good eggs to come forward and donate.

The Toowoomba donor centre still needs 400 extra donors between now and the end of April to bolster supplies for cancer and road trauma patients this Easter.

Locals are encouraged to spare just an hour of their time over the Easter break to help save up to three lives.

Blood Service spokesperson Sandee Thompson said that Easter was one of the most challenging times of the year to collect blood.

“The need for blood never takes a break yet we know that donor numbers are traditionally low at Easter” she said.

“A component of blood called platelets has a shelf life of only five days, so it’s important that blood is donated over and immediately after the Easter break.  Cancer patients in particular rely upon platelets to help them through their chemotherapy treatments.

“That’s why we need almost 400 Toowoomba residents to make an appointment to give blood or plasma between now and the end of the month at the Toowoomba Donor Centre.

To donate, call 13 14 95, visit www.donateblood.com.au or download the NEW Donate Blood app.

Opening hours at Toowoomba Donor Centre are:

Mon:  7.30am – 7.30pm

Tues:  11.00am – 7.30pm

Wed, Thurs:  7.30am – 7.30pm

Fri:  7.30am – 2.30pm

Sat:  8.00am – 2.00pm

Good Friday 19 April:  Closed

Easter Saturday 20 April:  8.00am – 2.00pm

Easter Monday 22 April:  8.00am – 2.00pm

ANZAC Day 25 April:  8.00am – 2.00pm

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