For some businesses, the rebuild following the February 28 natural disaster was relatively quick while others have been slower for many reasons. The Lismore Blood Donor Centre on Bounty Street in the CBD is one of the slower organisations but for good reason.

Red Cross Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison told the Lismore App, "We are very excited about reopening the Lismore Blood Donor Centre just in time for Christmas and this is a great opportunity for us to give back and show our support in the community after everything we've all been through together."

Scott and the Lismore Blood Donor Centre team were lucky they had the use of a mobile blood truck to visit flood-affected locations throughout the Northern Rivers to keep some form of blood donation going since midway through the year.

That mobile truck, however, only had limited capacity whereas the newly rebuilt centre has increased chairs to really get the blood flowing. From February 28 to December 12 is nearly ten months so why the delay?

"Due to the extreme situation with housing for residents in the community, we didn't want to be seen to be pushing at their expense," Scott said, "We were waiting for the community to get back on their feet and then do what we do best which is to collect blood and plasma."

"We wanted to be respectful of people that have lost everything and that included not taking tradies away from where they were needed the most."

"We all stand shoulder to shoulder and that is evident by the number of people coming straight back and donating in the first couple of weeks open before Christmas."

Scott is highlighting the advanced bookings the Lismore Blood Donor Centre has received already. As we write this story, there are two spots available on Thursday, December 22, everything before that is booked out.

Don't let that stop you from booking, especially during the quieter times between Christmas and New Year if you are not leaving home.

"Everyone is so excited. The Red Cross Lifeblood is a pillar of the community and we have been humbled by the support of the ongoing commitment of blood and plasma donors to help service the needs of the Lismore Base Hospital and St Vincents Private Hospital."

The Lismore Donor Centre will see many improvements for donors including a more welcoming, lighter and brighter space, designed with donors in mind.  You will also see the same friendly faces at the new Lismore Donor Centre when you donate.

(The Lismore Blood Centre Donor team in the newly refurbished building and ready to start work Monday. Photo: supplied) 

Lifeblood has just launched a new gifts program to boost donations by recognising returning blood and plasma donors with gifts of thanks.

Every year, 40,000 people donate blood or plasma for the first time but never return for a second donation. And 62% of donors donate only once or twice a year.

Donors who reach donation goals will be offered Lifeblood branded gifts, including t-shirts, mugs, and socks, as recognition for their hitting their goals. Local and international research shows that donor recognition – small tokens of thanks – may encourage people to donate more often.

You can book a donation at lifeblood.com.au, or by calling 13 14 95 or through the DonateBlood app