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The 26-year-old local made her 75th donation at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood in Shepparton last week.
Now, she wants to encourage others to donate blood and plasma throughout the festive season.
Between now and Thursday, January 2, Shepparton Donor Centre will still need 110 donors.
Kyara Walpole donated blood for the 75th time last week.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Lifeblood’s Shae Burns said while the Christmas-New Year period is a busy time and people are often out of their usual routines, the demand for blood is constant and supplies need a boost.
“Someone, somewhere in Australia will need blood or plasma every 18 seconds and the holiday season is no exception,” Ms Burns said.
“Every blood donation can save up to three lives, so there’s no greater gift this Christmas for those who rely on blood and plasma. Their families will be forever grateful, too.”
Some of the most common uses for donated blood and plasma include road trauma, emergency surgery, bleeding during childbirth and cancer treatment.
One in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime. Some may need it once, while others rely on it regularly to improve their quality of life.
Kyara Walpole enjoys a snack with her mum Kaylene Walpole after they donated blood together.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton locals are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and make the festive season their reason for donating.
“A blood donation appointment only takes an hour, and our friendly staff will take excellent care of you,” Ms Burns said.
“A blood donation is a selfless gift that can not only save lives but improves the quality of lives, and can give people more precious time with their loved ones.”
An appointment includes a health assessment, the donation itself (which lasts five to 10 minutes) and time for refreshments and recovery.
Session leader Marg Jones, Donor Services nursing assistant Tracey Patafio, registered nurse Steph Creswell, relationship manager Shae Burns and registered nurse Leah Stephens supported donor Kyara Walpole during her 75th donation at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Shepparton Donor Centre last week.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
People who donate between now and Sunday, January 5 will have their arms wrapped in a vibrant limited-edition bandage designed by artist and plasma recipient Kat Macleod.
The design was inspired by the kindness and vitality of Australia’s donors and features a pattern of shining hearts, beams of light and flowing line work.
To book an appointment, visit lifeblood.com.au, download the Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95.
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