Blood? Chocolate? Tears?

If only 1 in 3 people give blood, chances are, somebody you or I know is going to need it. You may even need it yourself. Recently the ministry team decided to be brave and give blood - check out what we learnt and experienced on the day...

Did you know...

• 1 in 3 people will need blood*
• Only 1 in 30 people currently give blood*
• Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days*
• Australia needs over 27,000 blood donations every week*
• Every whole blood donation can save 3 lives*
  

  Giving blood is one of those things I always mean to do, but never do.  When I brought it up at lunch one day in the office, it was amazing how many people were in the same boat as me, meaning to give blood, but not getting around to it. It was time for us to change, so we made a group booking. Now I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, because I honestly love getting needles. I think it has something to do with the fact that you always get a reward at the end. And after donating blood, I certainly did - not only all-I-wanted chocolate, biscuits and juice, but the knowledge that my donation would help save lives. - Liz

  I must admit that when Liz came up with this idea of giving blood my first reaction was "No way Hosay!!" I'd always avoided it because of big needles and the fear of fainting.  But after all of the fear and trepidation I actually discovered that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I discovered that I could still survive with a little less blood and that in fact it was nice to know someone else has been helped because of it. - Tash

  The act of giving blood wasn't that scary nor painful and apparently I'm a "fast bleeder" (whatever that means).  The chocolates made it all worthwhile let alone the obvious sense of serving others in this very practical way.  It was good also to be meeting people (both Red Cross staff and other blood donors) and engaging them in conversation.  I'll be definitely going again. - Kevin

  
  

  I think it was the coldest day out - filling out forms outside in 12.5 degrees! Reckon that's why my blood took so long to come out!! Good bonding exercise as a team. The equivalent of two cups (500mls) is a lot of blood. Discovered haemoglobin can still be really good on a meat-less diet. I felt brave for having done it! Also felt a bit wobbly. - Lorrie

  
  

  Well, I had a great time giving blood, as great a time as you can have at a place where they stick a needle in your arm and drain half a litre of blood!  It was cool to go with some friends even if I didn't win the "fill the bag" blood race.  Honestly though, there's a member of my family who would have really struggled recently had there not been a ready store of blood at the hospital.  The minor discomfort was small price to pay to offer someone else the chance of health given to my family on that last occasion. - Tim

  
  
  
  

What happens with our donations...

The majority of donated blood goes to people with cancer, as well as people who have suffered traumatic accidents, burns or who undergo surgery.*  For more information on donating blood visit Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

*Information provided by Australian Red Cross Blood Service 2010