By Luke Voogt
Sarah and Michael have emerged as the most common blood donor names in Geelong as the city’s Red Cross fights to meet Christmas demand.
“Michaels are just nice people,” said Michael Cammaroto as he gave blood.
The St Albans Park auto worker was one of three men of the same name who donated on Monday.
“It’s something I can do that takes an hour of my time every couple of weeks and it helps a lot of people,” the 56-year-old said.
“The nurses are very helpful and look after you when you’re there. It’s not painful at all.”
The long-time donor, one of four Michaels in his extended family, urged Geelong residents to give blood.
“It’s not much (effort) considering what lives you can save,” he said.
Blood Service spokesperson Leigh Johnston said Geelong Red Cross urgently needed 206 local donors between 26 December and 3 January.
“No matter what your name is, we would love to add you to our life savers list.
“We’re asking people to factor a blood donation into their holiday plans – what better gift to give at Christmas than the gift of life.”
Blood donations normally dropped off over the festive season, Leigh said.
“Many of our regular donors are away on holiday, so we are asking new donors to roll up their sleeves and give blood at this critical time of year.
“Many of us are looking forward to a well-earned holiday, but the need for blood never takes a break.”
The significantly higher numbers of crashes over the Christmas holidays put increased demand on blood supplies, Leigh said.
The centre also needed blood for platelet donations which were critical for the treatment of cancer patients, he said.
The product’s shelf life of five days made the need dire during holiday periods, he added.
“Cancer treatments, emergencies, and other serious medical conditions don’t stop for Christmas and there are thousands of Australians who rely on donated blood each and every day.”
Leukaemia and chemotherapy can reduce patients’ platelets to dangerously low levels, which can cause spontaneous bleeding, including in the brain.
Healthy people can donate platelets every two to four weeks, compared to three times a year for whole blood.
