The Australian Red Cross Blood Service needs a hand for the upcoming long weekend.
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The Wagga Blood Donor Centre needs 60 donors to give blood between January 24 and 30, especially on Australia Day itself.
Blood service spokesperson Cathy Chapman said the centre would be open on Saturday, January 26, even though it is Australia Day.
he public holiday is actually on Monday, January 28.
Ms Chapman said the short shelf-life of some blood products made regular new donations essential.
“We will need at least 15 donations on Australia Day itself,” she said.
Ms Chapman said cancer patients, trauma victims, people with bleeding disorders, new mums and newborn babies would still need blood this Australia Day.
“Australia Day is the perfect time to give back to the local community; there’s nothing more Australian than helping out a mate or three by donating blood,” she said.
“To ensure blood is there when you or a loved one needs it, we need more Riverina residents to sign up as blood donors.
“We’re particularly encouraging people who have never donated blood before to become a local legend in 2019 and trade places with our regular donors who are away for the Australia Day public holiday.”
To make an appointment to donate, visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.