Sunshine residents urge to donate

Donor Services nursing assistant Dee Luecken and donor Robert Walker. (Damjan Janevski) 418533_02

A pop-up Lifeblood donor centre on its way to Sunshine, with donations needed as much as ever.

The centre will be available between Monday, July 29, and Friday, August 2, at the Croatian Catholic Centre Sunshine, 22 Fitzgerald Road, Sunshine West.

There are 85 bookings available for people to donate.

During the week of July 29 to August 2, blood donations can be made at the donation centre from 12.30 pm to 8pm on Monday, July 29; from noon to 8 pm on Tuesday, July 30; and from noon to 8pm on Wednesday, July 31. On Thursday, August 1, donations are accepted from 8am to 3.30pm, and on Friday, August 2, from 8am to 3 pm.

One blood donation is needed every 18 seconds, and can save up to three lives, Lifeblood Australia said.

Lifeblood Australia revealed one in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime, yet only one in 30 donates.

Australia needs about 33,000 donations every week to meet demand for patients.

Cancer patients, as a group, are the biggest recipients of blood and blood products in Australia.

If you are between 18-75 years old and are feeling well, you may be able to donate.

To book an appointment to donate call 13 14 95 or book online at www.lifeblood.com.au or on the Donate Blood app.

Gerald Lynch