It’s usually hard to feel virtuous when drinking a milkshake and eating a sausage roll, but when you have them at a Lifeblood Donor Centre it’s part of your contribution to saving lives.
In addition to hydrating beforehand, a drink and a snack during the 15 to 20 minutes of relaxation after a blood donation is an important part of the process.
“It is a chance to sit back and relax in our cafe to give your body time to recover,” says Lifeblood Wollongong’s manager, Lyn Lindley.
“Many people say they feel it is a reward for doing something for others.
“It has the added benefit of helping to replenish what you’ve lost in fluids.”
Kim McKeen of Balgownie, who has just chalked up her 76th donation, enjoys her visits to the cafe, saying, “It is a lovely social way of ending your visit and feels like a little treat for making the effort.”
Old school milkshakes are by far the most popular choice of post-donation drink, with some people saying it is the only time they have them.
If milkshakes aren’t your thing, there are other drinks to choose from, including tea, coffee and juices.
While the unmistakable aroma of sausage rolls and party pies tempts most donors, also on offer are packets of chips, biscuits, fruit cake, cheese and crackers, and the occasional chocolate.
“We want to make the whole experience a really good one, as retention of donors is so very important,” says Lyn.
“The volunteers who staff the cafe are an important part of our team.”
Figtree resident Kim Stylianou is one of those volunteers, having been attracted to the role through her own experience as a donor.
“I love the interaction with people who are all here with the common cause of helping others. It is a really special connection that touches me deep down,” she says.
“There is a great atmosphere, in part because people can order whatever they want with no bill at the end.”
Australia has more than half a million active donors who’ve donated blood products to help treat people with life-threatening conditions, including cancer, and during life-saving surgery. One donation can save up to three lives and donors are notified when their blood is despatched for use at a hospital.
“Winter is always a quiet time for donations, so we call out to anyone who is healthy to come along and help,” says Lyn.
The Wollongong centre on Kembla Street is open seven days a week, from 7am until 7 or 8pm, and can take up to 100 donors daily. People are encouraged to make an appointment, and parking is available onsite.
You can book a donation now by calling 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or via the DonateBlood app.
The Wollongong Donor Centre is at 45-53 Kembla Street. A Donor Bus also operates regionally for additional convenience.