Australian Red Cross Blood Service staff members attended Ovens and Murray Football Netball League matches as part of International Missing Type Day, a global campaign run simultaneously by 25 blood services to recruit more donors.

Blood Service spokeswoman Cathy Chapman said the demand for donated blood continued to increase, meaning 150 new donors were needed in Albury-Wodonga this year alone.

“We had a few people sign up, lot of interest, which was great,” she said.

“Every little bit helps, a lot of people aren’t aware that blood only lasts 42 days and that every single week we need 25,000 donations to meet the needs of Australia’s patients.

“Especially this time of year, with coughs and colds hitting the community the need for new donors always increases around winter.”

A new self-service booking system available at donateblood.com.au.

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