MORLEY resident Neil Dreyer, who has donated blood 127 times, is urging people to make a difference for those in need during the Christmas and New Year period.
The 57-year-old regularly visits the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s Morley Blood Donor Centre, which is holding a Secret Santa exchange.
As part of the exchange, donors who give blood or platelets this month will receive a text message to notify them where their Secret Santa gift of blood is sent.
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READ NOWMorley has a shortage of 120 appointments between December 17 and January 2, with December 28 being the biggest day of need while the Midland centre needs 100 appointments with Boxing Day being the biggest day of need.
Mr Dreyer said he started donating blood in the early 80s.
“It is one of those things that people need,” he said.
“With blood, it is actually going to make a difference for somebody.
“It is not exactly a giant impost to turn up and read your iPad for an hour.”
He said he had a few operations and his mum had cancer where they needed extra blood, so he wanted to take responsibility and help those in need.
For information or make an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.