Fed: Red Cross says give blood for new year

AAP General News (Australia)
12-26-2005
Fed: Red Cross says give blood for new year

CANBERRA, Dec 26 AAP - The Red Cross is asking Australians this new year to resolve
to do more for those in need - by donating their blood.

The Red Cross says Australia requires 20,000 donors each week to meet the everyday
medical and surgery needs of its hospitals.

"So it's the end of another year and you're making yet another list of things you will
- or will not - do for 2006," Red Cross said in a statement.

"Well, here's the uber resolution of them all. Donate blood.

"It costs nothing. It's a great way to relax for half an hour and be fussed over.

"You can meet a wide variety of other uber types as you have your post-donation milkshake,
meat pie or jelly beans."

The Red Cross said every time we give blood, we save three lives.

It said blood donations were used for people with chronic conditions such as cancer,
leukemia, heart disease, kidney disease and haemophilia, as well as for premature babies,
expectant mums, burn victims, trauma and emergency purposes.

"So, along with the usual resolutions of losing weight and getting fit, why not decide
that 2006 is the beginning of your uber resolution to give the gift of life to a fellow
Australian who needs it by donating blood?" he said.

Anyone wanting to donate blood should call the Australian Red Cross Blood Service on
13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.

AAP mb/rj

KEYWORD: BLOOD

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