MORE than 750 blood donations are still needed during the festive season to ensure blood supplies do not run dry.
Donors are needed to roll up their sleeves at all seven donor centres across Perth during a 10-day period. December 22 to January 1 is the critical time for blood donations.
Salter Point’s Joan Reimers has been donating for 40 years and is booked on Boxing Day.
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READ NOWMrs Reimers began donating in her 20s when her youngest sister had a heart operation and needed blood.
“I actually worked in Cannington so I could call in easily and it’s only every three months, for half-an-hour,” she said.
The retired teacher has tallied 86 whole blood donations.
Blood Service spokeswoman Jessica Willet said Christmas could be a busy time but it was vital people continued to donate blood throughout the holiday period.
“We have donor centres in Edgewater, Morley, Midland, Perth, Cannington, Fremantle and Rockingham, and several are open on Boxing Day to ensure that we have a constant supply of blood,” she said.
“Factor a blood donation into your holiday plans – what better gift to give at Christmas than the gift of saving three lives in one hour?”
To make an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.