Maribyrnong locals and Highpoint Shoppers will be able to give a different kind of gift this year, by rolling up a sleeve and donating blood.
Lifeblood has opened its doors for five weeks to the only pop-up blood donation centre in a Victorian shopping centre.
According to Lifeblood the holiday season is a critical time for blood donation, with many regular donors taking a break as they head away on holiday.
Lifeblood is currently calling for people with A and O blood groups in particular.
The pop-up donation centre will be open until Friday, January 5, from 9.30am-5pm, except Christmas and New Year’s days.
Donors will have their arms wrapped in a colourful limited-edition Christmas bandage, designed by Melbourne artist and illustrator Madeleine Stamer.
Lifeblood executive director donor experience Cath Stone encouraged shoppers to add blood donation to their Christmas list or tick it off early as a New Year’s resolution.
“We know the festive season is a busy time of year so we have made blood donation easier for the people of Maribyrnong and surrounds by setting up a pop-up donation centre they can visit at the same time as their favourite shops,” she said.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and give the gift of life to those who may need surgery or treatment for conditions like cancer or blood disorders this Christmas.
“Blood will be needed somewhere in Australia every 18 seconds. Donating blood doesn’t cost anything, but for a patient and their loved ones it is life changing.”
Details: 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or through the Donate Blood app.
