By Mitchell Clarke
More than 300 local donors are currently required to give blood when Red Cross Lifeblood brings their mobile donor centre to Pakenham in February.
The Mobile Blood Donor Centre will be based in Pakenham from Monday 10 February and remain until Friday 21 February.
Lifeblood spokesperson Erin Lagoudakis said: “Pakenham locals have been so supportive and responsive to our visits over the last few years.”
So much so, the organisation decided to extend the length of their visit by two additional days. That extension is set to provide the opportunity for an additional 200 locals to make a life-saving donation.
“Each time we visit we continue to be impressed with the willingness of locals to donate with our donation sessions often booked out well ahead of our visit,” Ms Lagoudakis said.
“While this expansion provides around 200 additional locals with an opportunity to donate, there are still availabilities for more than 300 people to book their blood donation.”
One in three Australians will need blood or a blood product in their lifetime, but only one in 30 currently donates.
“If you haven’t donated before, or haven’t donated for a while, there’s never been a better time to start changing and saving lives,” Ms Lagoudakis said.
“If you’re aged between 18 and 75, if you’re feeling fit and well you may be able to donate.”
The mobile donor centre will be located at the Cardinia Cultural Centre and open at the following times:
– Monday 10 February from 12.30pm to 7pm
– Tuesday 11 February from 12pm to 7pm
– Wednesday 12 February from 12pm to 7pm
– Thursday 13 February from 1pm to 7pm
– Friday 14 February from 8am to 3pm
– Monday 17 February from 12.30pm to 7pm
– Tuesday 18 February from 12pm to 7pm
– Wednesday 19 February from 12pm to 7pm
– Thursday 20 February from 1pm to 7pm
– Friday 21 February from 8am to 3pm
To book your donation, call 13 14 95 or visit www.lifeblood.com.au.
