Locals urged to roll up their sleeves

Surf Coast locals are being urged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as a mobile donor centre visits later this month.

More than 80 Australian Red Cross Lifeblood appointments still need filling over the six days from Monday October 21 to Saturday October 26.

It will be the fourth visit to Torquay this year, in what has been a positive return to the town after a decade-long break.

Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland said demand for blood and blood products is at its highest in a decade.

“We know the people of Torquay are incredibly generous, and we hope they grab the opportunity to make sure our donor chairs are full,” she said.

“If you’ve given blood before, be a local legend and spread the word with your friends, family, and neighbours about how they can help to make a difference. We love to see our regular donors come back and are always excited to welcome first-timers as well.”

A blood donation appointment takes around an hour, with the donation itself taking just five to 10 minutes.

Each donation can save up to three lives. Every week Lifeblood needs 33,000 blood and plasma donations around the nation to meet patients’ needs.

The Torquay Mobile Donor Centre is located at Bunnings, 1 Beacon Blvd, Torquay.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.

Opening hours:

Monday October 21: 12.30pm to 5.30pm

Tuesday October 22: 11.30am to 6.30pm

Wednesday October 23: 10.30am to 5.30pm

Thursday October 24: 10.30am to 5.30pm

Friday October 25: 7.30am to 2.30pm

Saturday October 26: 7.30am to 1pm