Northern Beaches residents have turned out in force to donate blood in the wake of last night’s mass shooting at Bondi.
The devastating terrorist act targeting Jewish people on the first day of Hanukkah killed 15 innocents (as of time of publications) and left dozens more seriously injured. This meant hospitals across Sydney were facing an urgent and overwhelming demand for blood.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood earlier issued a ‘life-threatening’ call for donations, particularly O negative blood, which is critical in emergency and trauma care.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “If you are looking for something practical to do, you could give blood.”
Locals have responded to the call with Lifeblood (Red Cross) staff at the mobile Dee Why donation site today reporting all centres across Sydney, including mobile donation trucks, were at full capacity and unable to accept more walk-in donors today.
They are encouraging people to make appointments through the Lifeblood website, though it is currently experiencing outages due to the high demand. Those wishing to organise a booking can also call 13 14 95. These lines remain very busy.
Staff expect to remain at Dee Why car park until Thursday and are urging members of the public to try again later in the week.
They also remind donors that the need for blood will continue into next week and beyond.
A staff member told those waiting to donate that they had been overwhelmed by the level of support, with large numbers of people turning up to the truck throughout the morning.
By lunchtime today, locals crowded around the Lifeblood truck, which was displaying a closed sign, saying they had come to show support and help in any way they could.
“After yesterday’s tragic events, I think it is really important for us to help our community, even if it is a small thing, like just coming out and giving blood,” Siena Bartels said.
Jennifer Rose said: “I am here to give blood today. I have O negative blood, so I know that is the emergency blood that they need.
“I just wanted to support Australians and support our community at the moment.”
Kamille Poli said: “We always love to support the community.
“We are also immigrants, so we feel like it is the least we can do to support, and at a hard time for everyone.
“I just feel like I needed to do something.”
One man who did not want to be identified said: “In Australia we do not accept this.
“We are all about peace.”
If you are feeling overwhelmed by these events, speaking to someone can make all the difference.
Lifeline and 13YARN are there 24/7 via phone call on 13 11 14 or via text on 0477 13 11 14.
