Wollongong is one of six New South Wales locations urgently trying to fill its spare appointments this November to help boost blood stocks.
Wollongong Donor Centre is 350 appointments short of what it needs to ensure there are enough supplies for patients in need.
A cold winter season is to blame for keeping regular donors from giving blood. The Blood Service believes that regular donors either became unwell or were hesitant to venture out in the cold weather.
Blood Service spokeswoman Jemma Falkenmire said Wollongong residents could participate in the Bleed-a-Thon by making an appointment to give blood during November.
‘‘One in three of us will need blood in our lifetime yet only one in 30 actually donates,’’ she said.
‘‘We all assume blood will be there when we need it, but the only way we can ensure a secure supply is by giving now to receive later.’’
Miss Falkenmire said most people could give blood as long as they were aged between 16 and 70 years and were fit and healthy.
‘‘It only takes an hour of your time yet it could mean a lifetime to someone else – notably a cancer patient, road trauma victim, or pregnant mum and her baby,’’ she said.