The Perth Blood Donor Centre had almost 100 appointments available on the biggest race day on the Australian calendar.
Perth Blood Donor Centre spokeswoman Jessica Willet said while most people loved to place a bet on the Melbourne Cup, the odds of someone needing blood were high.
“One in three Australians will need blood or a blood product in their lifetime, yet only one in 30 donates,” Ms Willet said.
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READ NOW“The Melbourne Cup is the race that stops the nation but it shouldn’t be the race that stops donation.”
Ms Willet said Australia needed more than 25,000 blood donations each week to meet patient needs.
“We’re asking people to consider hedging their bets this Melbourne Cup by donating blood to ensure the supply of this life-saving gift,” she said.
“Our donor centre has plenty of TVs, which means you can still catch the race while saving lives.”
To donate blood, call 13 14 95.