The Red Cross blood stock supplies are currently very low. Yet, how many of us give blood?
I have been a blood donor for 48 years which amounts to 710 donations. Three percent of Victorians give blood but I am informed that within our Greek community it is much less. Closer to 1.8 per cent.
Yet with Thalassaemia and other illnesses, Hellenes need greater supply access than the average Australian. So what is holding us back? Why are so few of you donating?
Blood is critical for road accident victims, industrial accident persons, many a pregnant mother, most surgical procedures, for children and for our older folk.
It takes only about an hour and for you it is a small medical check up. Plus, you will have helped to save lives.
I will never forget the day that I visited my father’s uncle Iraklis Kenos – founder of the Hellas Cake Shop, Hellas Confectionary and Kenman Kandy, after having donated. He saw my bandage and asked what happened. I replied that I had just donated blood and he shed a tear and held me in his arms. The first time ever as an adult.
Then he thanked me for being one of those who saved his wife’s life as she had been ill and needed three blood transfusions.
For more information on how to donate blood go to Australian Red Cross Be the Lifeblood.
