Media Release
Refugees in every part of Australia are invited to donate blood this Valentine’s Day, Wednesday February 14, 2024, as part of an Australian Red Cross Lifeblood team called “10,000 Refugees Contributing to Australia”.
“There are thousands of us who are hoping to call Australia home. It’s a way to show our vitality and deep love for this country. The team is a sort of ‘living petition’,” said one man who came from the troubled region of Parachinar in Pakistan 12 years ago.
A handful of refugees have already begun donating under the team name. All donors have to do is mention the team “10,000 Refugees Contributing to Australia” on their Lifeblood application to join this campaign.
There are Australian Red Cross Lifeblood offices all over the country.
Whole blood can be taken every three months while plasma can be collected fortnightly.
The initiative comes from refugee Solomon Mackenzie from Iran. “Refugees offer diversity in terms of skill, culture and knowledge as well as blood types and genes”, he said. “Some of us are universal donors or can supply rare blood types”.
People do not require a Medicare card or visa to donate blood. ID is however necessary.
Alas, not every person who presents will be permitted to donate, as many health conditions and experiences can affect eligibility.
Limited or no access to Medicare or to quality health care during detention affects many refugees living in Australia: even those paying tax.
A small group of refugees will be at Parramatta Lifeblood office this Sunday (14 January 2024) to donate at 11.30am. The address is: 22 Oak Street, Rosehill NSW 2142. The closest cross street is Arthur Street.
Each donor who gets in touch via our Facebook page will receive a certificate documenting their contribution from Solomon who has donated already and will also attend the Parramatta office this Sunday.
Refugee Contact:
Solomon Mackenzie, +61 412 820 526.
Red Cross Australia Lifeblood is an apolitical organisation and welcomes blood from everyone.
Aspiring donors are invited to phone the Lifeblood call centre number to check eligibility: 131495.
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