Like CFA, the need for blood doesn't take a break.
Red Cross Lifeblood often experiences a drop in blood donations during the holiday season because most people have busy schedules or are away on holidays.
Leading Firefighter Trent Egan donating blood in July as part of the Emergency Services Blood Challenge
The festive season can be a difficult time for people who require blood products regularly, particularly cancer patients who rely on platelets to prevent internal bleeding during chemotherapy treatment.
Platelets have a shelf life of only five days meaning a constant supply is needed to meet demand.
It's not just cancer patients that rely on regular donations - one in three of us will need donated blood in our lifetime.
If you have some time this holiday season, make an appointment to give the most meaningful gift of all - the gift of life through a blood or platelet donation.
It only takes an hour to donate, but it could save someone's life.
