THE best milkshakes in town are on offer at Lifeblood, Coffs Harbour Homebase.

With an urgent call-out to the community that Australia needs to double its blood donation effort for the rest of the year to ensure a healthy supply, the Red Cross in Coffs is making it as tempting and comfortable as possible to host donors.

“Our Coffs donors have been incredibly generous and helped ensure our blood supply has remained sufficient, but with hospital demand for blood the highest it’s been in nearly a decade, it’s critical people don’t stop donating now,” Ruth Harrison, Group Account Manager, Donor Service told News Of The Area (NOTA).

“We’re asking our Coffs locals to do what we do so well – roll up our sleeves and lend an arm.

“As each donation can save up to three lives, you really are helping out your local community in the best way possible.”

Jenny Houlcroft, Donor Centre Manager at Coffs Homebase told NOTA, “You’ll find the team here really welcoming, it’s a relaxed atmosphere and we have the best milkshakes in town…once you’ve donated you can sit and relax with something to eat and drink.

“The demand for blood never stops but we’re competing with COVID, the Olympics, people have lost their jobs, it’s flu season and consequently donating falls away.”

Popping in to donate on Tuesday (July 27) was Coffs resident, Liz Stehr.

“It’s Liz’s 150th donation,” said Jenny.

“When I moved to Coffs I wasn’t working so I had the time.

“I donate plasma which takes a little longer than giving blood,” said Liz.

Liz spreads the word, to encourage others, by posting a photo of her shoes for each visit.

“I love shoes and it’s a fun way to remind others to donate – I always tag Coffs Lifeblood Centre.”

Stuart Osborne, on a working holiday in Coffs, swung by on Tuesday after receiving a notification on his Facebook.

“I’ve donated nine times before, because I can,” he said.

Stuart was sporting a “funny mullet” in support of another cause.

“It’s for the Mullets for Black Dog campaign I’m supporting,” he said.

 

By Andrea FERRARI