IN THE season of giving, Tamworth residents are being urged to share more than just toys and trinkets this Christmas.
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The Tamworth Red Cross blood service needs more than 330 donors to come forward before the new year to avoid a shortage of stocks.
This December, blood donors who give blood or platelets will receive a text message to let them know where their “secret Santa” gift was sent and a festive tag to give to a loved one.
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Blood service spokesperson Janine Dietrich said it was the most important gift people could share this Christmas.
“If secret Santa is about giving anonymous gifts, designed to make someone’s day, then blood donation really is Australia’s ultimate secret Santa exchange,” she said.
“Blood will be needed by road accident patients, pregnant mums, cancer patients and even premature babies every day this Christmas and New Year’s.
“With many people taking time off this holiday season we need those who can to step up and be a life-changing ‘Secret Santa’ to Australian patients in need, ensuring no one misses out on receiving this incredible gift.”
Miss Dietrich said stocks of platelets, a blood component vital to the treatment of cancer patients, were particularly at risk during the Christmas period.
“So this Christmas we’re urging Tamworth locals to take part in Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa exchange by making an appointment to give blood,” she said.