GG calls for more blood donors

Australians don't do enough to boost the nation's blood stocks - and should remember
that they or a loved one might one day be in need of donated blood, the
governor-general says.
Travelling on The Ghan north of Adelaide as part of the train's 80th anniversary
celebrations, Quentin Bryce also recognised a milestone for another Aussie icon - 80
years of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
"People have given an enormous number of donations," Ms Bryce said of blood donors.
Those donations have meant "survival" and a better "quality of life and well being"
for Australians in times of trauma and also for cancer sufferers or those requiring
blood transfusions, she said.
But Australia's commitment to donating blood has room for improvement, the
governor-general added.
"I know that I don't and you probably don't either," Ms Bryce said, when asked if
Australians made a enough effort to donate blood.
She said the key is to educate young Australians about the importance of giving
blood, so they can "take the message out".
Ms Bryce said she is part of the one-third of Australia's population who donate blood.
The Red Cross requires 22,000 donations per month to meet Australian demand.
Dressed in a grey suit and striking red blouse, the ever-smiling governor-general
asked Australians to stop and "reflect" on when they or someone they know may need
blood in the future, and support the Red Cross by making regular donations.