Breakfast Treats At The Blood Bank

Illawarra Mercury

Friday June 27, 2008

By MICHELLE WEBSTER

THE Wollongong Red Cross Blood Bank unveiled a new breakfast club and extended opening hours yesterday in an effort to take the inconvenience out of donating blood.

Donors visiting the centre on a Thursday or Friday between 7am and 10am will be rewarded with a delicious breakfast of cereal, crepes, croissants, yoghurts and raisin toast.

Miss World Australia Katie Richardson took time out of her hectic schedule to launch the initiative at the centre yesterday.

The 20-year-old Albion Park beauty, who is a regular blood donor, said personal experience was the motivating factor behind her support for the service.

"There has been illness in my own family which made me aware of how important blood donation is," she said.

"There are quite a few people who can't give blood so I think it's important that the people who can should."

The centre is also extending its Tuesday and Wednesday operating hours to 8pm.

Donor centre manager Lyn Lindley said the changes would assist those who were unavailable during business hours.

"The new more convenient opening hours will provide individuals ... with the opportunity to help save even more lives," she said.