Forget Santa’s naughty or nice list, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service has revealed it has a secret Christmas list of life savers.
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The Blood Service revealed the list of names of those most likely to be blood donors in Port Macquarie.
Locals named Peter, Jennifer, David, Sally, Michael and Michelle are the most likely to be blood donors, topping the list for Port Macquarie’s most common donor names.
Blood Service spokesperson Jemma Falkenmire said it wasn’t too late to add your name to the list, with nearly 600 donations needed in Port Macquarie between now and January 2.
“At this time of year, many of us are looking forward to a well-earned holiday, but the need for blood never takes a break,” Ms Falkenmire said.
“The Blood Service needs 25,000 donations every week to meet patient demand and we need help to combat the expected drop-off in donations over the festive season.
“Many of our regular donors are away on holiday so we are asking new donors to roll up their sleeves and give blood at this critical time of year,” she said.
Blood has a short shelf-life and cannot be stockpiled so must be donated in the days immediately before and after public holidays.
“Most at risk are the short-lived stocks of platelets, which last only five days from collection and are vital to the treatment of cancer patients,” Miss Falkenmire said.
Many of our regular donors are away on holiday so we are asking new donors to roll up their sleeves and give blood at this critical time of year.
- Jemma Falkenmire
“We’re asking people to factor a blood donation into their holiday plans – every donation can save three lives, and what better gift to give at Christmas time than the gift of life.
“No matter what your name is, we would love to add you to our life savers list,” she said.
One in three Australians will need donated blood, but currently only three percent of Australians are blood donors.
To make an appointment to give blood, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.a
Top ten female blood donor names: Jennifer, Sarah, Sally, Michelle, Susan, Joanne, Rebecca, Julie, Helen and Jessica Rebecca, Jessica
Top ten male blood donor names: Peter, David, Michael, John, Robert, Paul, Mark, Christopher, James and Andrew.
School teachers David Sullivan and Sally Baker - who make the top ten - said they have been donating blood for some six years.
"We donate blood because it makes a difference," Ms Baker said.
"And you never know when you might need blood yourself.
"I think it is also more important at Christmas time where there is, potentially, a higher need for blood.
"We would encourage first time blood donors or those who haven't donated blood for a period of time, to step forward and help save three lives."