The Australian Red Cross Blood Service Van visited Canowindra on Tuesday and was greeted by a line-up of people wanting to donate blood, including the staff of Canowindra Tyre Service. Those who volunteered to come and donate were advised to drink three to four glasses of water or juice in the hours before and to eat a good sized breakfast. “We were in need of up to 20 appointments to ensure we met hospital demand and thanks to the great response from the Canowindra community we were able to meet that demand by the day’s end” said Ronny Maroun, Red Cross Community Relations Officer; “This is especially good considering we’re at that critical time of year where the Blood Service loses up to 900 appointments nationwide due to the cold and flu season.”
The Blood Service will be visiting Canowindra again on Monday 5th September and encourage people of the community who have always wanted to donate blood but who’ve never had the chance to come along. For those who are worried, just remember that the pinch of the needle takes just three seconds but could mean a lifetime to someone else. If you are aged between 16 70 and are feeling fit and healthy you may be eligible to donate blood. To make an appointment please call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.