MORE than 500 blood donors are needed in Perth this festive season for Australia’s biggest ‘Secret Santa’.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is encouraging locals to give the gift of blood or platelets this Christmas.
Blood Service spokeswoman Jessica Willet said it was the most important gift-giving in which people could take part.
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READ NOW“If Secret Santa is about giving anonymous gifts, then blood donation really is Australia’s ultimate Secret Santa exchange,” she said.
“At Perth donor centre more donors are needed on Sunday, December 23, and New Year’s Eve in particular, when just six people are booked in to donate on each day.”
Blood donations will help road accident patients, pregnant mothers, cancer patients, premature babies and more across every day during the holidays.
All donors will receive a text message to notify them where their Secret Santa gift has been sent, and a Christmas gift tag to give to a loved one.
Dave Tozer from Mt Claremont said he had been donating blood since he was 18, and encouraged others to lend a hand.
“It feels like you’re doing a small bit to help where you can – it sounds cheesy, but you get to do your bit to save a life,” he said.
To make an appointment or find out more, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.