Lifeblood wraps up the most precious gift this Christmas

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is reminding Aussies that the most precious gift they can give this Christmas is a life-saving blood donation. It costs nothing and it comes with free wrapping from leading mural artist and illustrator, Nico Nicoson.

From now until Sunday, 4 January, all donors will leave Lifeblood donor centres with the specially designed festive bandage, which features graceful white doves and golden hands offering flowers against a deep blue backdrop.

Sydney-based Nicoson, whose connection to blood donation is deeply personal, says the bandage celebrates the ‘giving’ spirit of Christmas – a sentiment shaped by his own experience, with newborn and his wife undergoing breast cancer treatment.

“I have learned first-hand what it means to rely on the giving spirit of others. I now give blood as I know that there is no greater gift that one can give to a fellow person and their family than the gift of hope,” Nico shares.

“Blood donors are gifts and gifts should be beautifully adorned,” adds Nico, whose bandage is emblazoned with symbols of hope and peace.

“I wanted to create an artwork that would represent the joy we feel when we give life to another person. The dove’s presence is associated with peace, happiness, love, truth, and healing. It symbolises hope in tough times, such as when one is sick or grieving, and their presence during such a period can be comforting and uplifting.”

The festive bandage comes as Lifeblood reaches an incredible milestone of over 580,000 active donors this past year, providing more than 1.67 million donations and helping to save nearly 5 million lives.

Despite this record generosity, hospital orders for blood and plasma are also at an all-time high, meaning Lifeblood will need even more new donors in 2026.

“Demand for blood and plasma continues to rise in Australia, so there is no better time than now to donate,” Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience Cath Stone said.

“A growing and ageing population, combined with new diagnoses and advances in medical treatments that rely on blood donations, means you never know when you or someone you know will need a donation.”

The need for blood does not stop, especially during the festive season when regular donors are on holiday and new donors are encouraged to step up to meet demand.

“Every year, Lifeblood relies on the kindness of donors who roll up a sleeve to give blood and plasma to strangers. These donations can be used in emergency surgery, to support a woman during childbirth, or to help someone undergoing cancer treatment. It can mean someone gets to spend another Christmas at home with family,” added Cath.

“This Christmas, Lifeblood invites everyone to embrace the spirit of giving.  A blood donation is free and takes only an hour of your time, which could be a lifetime of happiness for someone else.”

Book your appointment, donate blood, and wear your festive bandage with pride—knowing you’ve spread a little extra love and hope this Christmas.

To find your nearest donor centre or book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood App.