Wear Red with pride this National Blood Donor Week on the Gold Coast
Gold Coast donors wear new red bandages for National Blood Donor Week, 1 donor needed every 5 min.
What’s happening?
Australia’s Red Cross Lifeblood is giving blood donors across the country — including right here on the Gold Coast — a new way to proudly show their life-saving contribution.
Starting this National Blood Donor Week (10–16 June 2025), Lifeblood has replaced its plain white post-donation arm bandages with striking new branded red bandages. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of blood and plasma donations and to spark conversations within the community.
The red bandages also feature Lifeblood’s “Life is the Reason” campaign tagline, further reinforcing the message that every donation helps save lives.
Why it matters
Australia is facing an unprecedented demand for blood and blood products — now at a 12-year high — with donations urgently needed for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, and childbirth.
By replacing the plain white bandage with a bold branded one, Lifeblood hopes to increase donor visibility in public and inspire more Australians to become regular blood or plasma donors.
As Lifeblood Acting Chief Executive Officer Cath Stone explained:
“We know that branded post‑donation bandages are a great way to start conversations and boost awareness about blood donation.”
She added:
“A new blood donor is needed every five minutes in Australia, and that means we need people talking and thinking about blood and plasma donation and encouraging each other to roll up their sleeves.”
Research also shows that wearing a branded donation bandage creates a powerful perception shift.
“Research has also shown that people who wear branded donation bandages are perceived by others to be generous, warm, healthy and altruistic,” Cath said.
Local impact
Gold Coast residents who donate during National Blood Donor Week will now receive the vibrant red bandage, helping them stand out as visible advocates for the cause.
Wearing the bandage not only celebrates their contribution but also encourages conversations with family, friends, and strangers — conversations that may inspire someone else to donate.
As Cath Stone emphasised:
“Our generous donors are some of our biggest advocates.”
By the numbers
1 new blood donor is needed every 5 minutes across Australia to meet ongoing demand.
More than 1.7 million blood and plasma donations are required annually.
Demand for blood is at a 12-year high.
Lifeblood’s “Life is the Reason” hub has already received over 12,000 responses from Australians sharing why they choose to donate.
Some of the most common motivations include:
To help others
Because I can
To give back
To save lives
Because it feels good to help others
And for a few — the post-donation party pies!
Zoom In
Cath Stone reflected on the inspiring feedback received through Lifeblood’s campaign:
“The comments we receive from donors in our Life is the Reason hub about why they donate are incredible, whether it’s in memory of a loved family member or simply to help a complete stranger.”
She continued:
“They illustrate the heartwarming generosity of Australia’s blood and plasma donors and this National Blood Donor Week we want to thank all our donors for the life‑saving contributions they make.”
Zoom Out
The introduction of the new red bandage is part of the broader “Life is the Reason” campaign, launched by Lifeblood in September 2024. The campaign aims to attract 100,000 new donors annually, helping to address the country’s rising demand for blood and blood products.
The campaign encourages Australians to think about why they donate and to share their personal stories. The “Life is the Reason” hub has become a platform for showcasing this generosity, highlighting that donating blood is one of the simplest ways to make a lasting impact.
What to look for next?
Gold Coast residents are encouraged to:
Book a donation at their local Lifeblood centre or pop-up event during National Blood Donor Week.
Look out for community events and special donor sessions where the new red bandages will be distributed.
Visit the “Life is the Reason” hub to share their personal reason for donating and inspire others.
Talk to family and friends about the importance of blood and plasma donation — and wear the red bandage with pride!
To book your next donation, visit lifeblood.com.au, download the Donate Blood App, or call 13 14 95.