Summerland Bank in Lismore has come out on top in Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s annual Financial Services Blood Drive in the Northern Rivers region as residents are urged to continue donating blood and plasma to keep up with increasing demand.

The Financial Services Blood Drive, which runs for the first three months of the year, saw 11 people on the Summerland Bank team give blood and plasma, including five incredible first-time donors. Together they saved up to 30 lives!

Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison thanked the Summerland Bank community for their generosity and said every donation was truly appreciated.

“There is clearly a strong desire from the people of Lismore and the Northern Rivers to do something to help those who require blood,” Scott said.

One in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime. Recipients include people having cancer treatment, people with blood disorders, surgery patients and women in childbirth.

Scott added you never know when you or someone you love may need blood or plasma.

“The need for blood never stops. In fact, demand rose 3 per cent last year and is expected to continue to increase as our population grows.

“I encourage people who donated last year to keep coming back to impact even more lives in 2024. I also urge other people in the community, who have not donated before, to follow their lead.

 “Let’s see what our local businesses, sporting clubs and community groups can achieve together in 2024!” 

A blood donation appointment takes one hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes, whereas a plasma appointment takes an hour and a half with the donation lasting a little over 30 minutes.

People can even book to donate with a friend for a social outing with a life-changing outcome.

Lifeblood’s Lismore Blood Donor Centre is open every Monday to Saturday – 6 days a week.

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

If you would like to know more about donating blood visit lifeblood.com.au