Thousands donate blood for Bondi, as Lifeblood urges donors to keep appointments

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has thanked the Australian community for an extraordinary response in the wake of the Bondi tragedy, with close to 50,000 people donating blood or plasma in the past week, and more than 120,000 booking future appointments.

In a show of strength and solidarity in one of the nation’s darkest moments, Lifeblood donor centres across the country were inundated last week as people sought ways to help, replenishing blood supplies used to support Bondi patients.

The donations come at a critical time of year, with demand for blood expected to increase as hospitals work to get patients home for Christmas.

Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen thanked donors for their overwhelming response, and urged them to keep their appointments during this challenging time.

“I want to thank every person who donated, booked an appointment, encouraged someone else to give, or reached out with offers of support,” he said.

“The need for blood is ongoing, with hospitals requiring blood every single day for trauma patients, cancer treatment, and life-saving surgeries.

“Every donation counts and maintaining a steady supply ensures patients receive the care they need—not just today, but in the weeks ahead.”

Blood is needed every day between Christmas and New Year to treat sick and seriously ill Australians.

One part of the blood – platelets – only lasts seven days, meaning daily donations are vital over holiday periods.

“The need for platelets has risen by almost 20% over the past five years, and last year pre-Christmas demand reached record levels,” Stephen said.

“Every blood donation contains platelets, which are vital for preventing life-threatening internal bleeding in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy,” he said.

“It could be someone you love who needs blood or blood products this Christmas. Blood donations save lives, so please give the greatest gift of all and donate blood or plasma in the next fortnight.”

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au, or download the Lifeblood App.