The Australian Red Cross Blood Service have launched an Easter blood drive due to the low number of appointments at Shepparton Donor Centre over the Easter and ANZAC Day public holidays.
They've asked good eggs to come forward and donate and they're needing over 100 extra donors between April 20-27 to bolster supplies for cancer and road trauma patients this Easter. Dates of particular need are Saturday 20 April and thursday 25 April.
Locals are encouraged to spare an hour of their time to help save up to three lives with their donation.
Blood Service spokesperson Doug Allen 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” he 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 100 Shepparton residents to make an appointment to give blood between 20 – 27 April at the Shepparton Donor Centre.”
To make your appointment, you can call 13 14 95, visit www.donateblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app from your app store.
Easter and Anzac Day opening hours at Shepparton Donor Centre are:
Saturday 20 April: 7:30am–3:00pm
Monday 22 April: 7:30am–3:00pm
Tuesday 23 April: 1:00pm–7:30pm
Wednesday 24 April: 12:00pm–7:30pm
Thursday 25 April: 7:30am-3:00pm
Friday 26 April: 7:30am–3:00pm
Saturday 27 April: 7:30am–3:00pm
*Entrance via Vaughan Street Carpark