World Blood Donor Day Celebrity Morning Tea

Media Release

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

Celebrity Mums Promote Safe Blood for Safe Motherhood

(L-R) NZ Blood Service Chief Executive Fiona Ritsma
with Kerre Woodham and Carol Hirschfeld

New Zealand Blood Service celebrated World Blood Donor Day on Thursday 14 June with a star-packed celebrity morning tea at its Epsom Centre in Auckland. Popular New Zealand mum's and media personalities, such as Mary Lambie, and Kerre Woodham filled the Donor Centre on Great South Road, gathering to show support for this year's campaign; 'Safe Blood for Safe Motherhood'.

Carol Hirschfeld led the celebration to thank the many people who already donate blood and to encourage healthy, eligible, New Zealanders to become donors. The event marked this year's campaign to highlight how important blood donors are to ensuring that new babies and mothers have access to a safe and consistent supply of blood and blood products.

Emilia Malcolm, who two years ago was born by emergency Caesarean section and required three blood transfusions within 20minutes of her birth, joined the celebrities with her mother, Outi, to celebrate her 2nd birthday at the event.

This now healthy, energetic little girl shared her special celebration with another young recipient, Hugh Ellicott, who attended with mum, Rebecca Horder: Both children are lucky to be here, thanks to blood donors who helped to save their lives.

Chief Executive of New Zealand Blood Service, Fiona Ritsma, was also in attendance and remarked on the fantastic level of support the 'Safe Blood for Safe Motherhood' campaign had received.

"It is wonderful to have so many high-profile figures here to highlight our campaign. Blood donation is incredibly important and it is vital that we communicate that message to New Zealanders. Supporters such as Carol Hirschfeld really help us to raise awareness and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has made time in their busy lives to be here.

"The event has been a spectacular success and is a very fitting way to mark World Blood Donor Day."

Jayne Keily and Carly Flynn joined Kerre and Mary in the true spirit of the campaign by bravely donating blood, while Jeanette Thomas, Robert Rakete and Robert Scott also took time out of their busy schedules to attend the festivities.

Mary Lambie said of the event, "It is amazing to see the number of people who have come along today to show their support. What struck me most is the fact that one donation has the potential to save the lives of three people. As a mother of three children, it certainly made me think - you never know when they might need that help."

Carol Hirschfeld, who championed the cause by thanking staff and acknowledging donors, past and present, said how thrilling it was to be a part of such a worthy event.

"There are so many fantastic stories from people whose lives have been saved due to blood donation. World Blood Donor Day is a wonderful opportunity to encourage more people to become part of the donor programme."

The New Zealand Blood Service urges all healthy, eligible New Zealanders to become donors. Those people who have O Rh negative blood type are especially sought, as this blood can be used universally and is critical to saving lives in emergency situations.

However, in order to ensure that this blood type can be easily called upon, it is essential to encourage donors of every blood type to widen the pool of blood and blood products that are available, ensuring that precious "O neg" blood is able to be used most appropriately.

To register to become a blood donor, call 0800 GIVE BLOOD to make an appointment.

ENDS

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