October 31, is commonly associated with vampires, cemeteries and scary dress ups, but this Halloween Hastings Rotaract decided to donate blood and combined, saved 39 lives in the process.
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One in three will need blood in their lifetime, but only one in 30 people donate, and according to Felix Palmer from Australia Red Cross Port Macquarie, the need for blood at this time of year is always high, so for 13 Rotaract members to roll up their sleeves at once was much appreciated.
“The Red Cross is always in need of blood, especially at this time of year, with flu season and holidays coming up regular donors may not be able to donate, so now is a critical time for blood donations, and it is fantastic that Rotaract members could come and donate together,” Mr Palmer said.
“We are currently encouraging groups of people, work colleague or even just a bunch of friends to ring and book, like Rotaract did, and come in all together and donate as part of Red 25.”
Red25 is a unique giving program by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, bringing together workplaces, community groups, schools and universities around Australia to save lives through blood donation.
“Together, Red25 members are working to towards ensuring that 25% of Australia's blood donations are secured.
“Donating blood is really easy, and fun as part of a group, and at the end you get a milkshake, and a sausage roll or TimTam as a thank you,” he said.
First time blood donor, and Rotaract member, Harley Lindley said coming as part of a group for the first time was a good way if someone was scared to donate.
“This was my first time donating and it felt really good to give blood as part of a group.
“It is something different than anything I do in my ordinary life and to know you are actually saving lives is really special,” Mr Lindley said.
“My advice for someone who is nervous about coming is to come as part of a group or with friends and make an event out of it.”