Photo: Artist David Booth with young artist
Every year, thousands of Australian children rely on donated blood and plasma products to get through some of the hardest moments of their young lives.
This National Blood Donor Week, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is recognising the donors behind those treatments, with more than 75,000 blood and plasma products issued to children’s hospitals across Australia each year. Lifeblood says that figure is only part of the picture, with many more children receiving blood products outside dedicated children’s hospitals while undergoing cancer treatment, trauma care, surgeries and treatment for immune conditions.
Running from June 8 to 14 in 2026, National Blood Donor Week celebrates Australia’s half a million blood and plasma donors, while encouraging more eligible Australians to book an appointment.
Lifeblood Executive Director Donor Experience Cath Stone said every donation could make a life-changing difference to some of the country’s youngest patients.
“If you’ve ever donated blood, there’s a good chance it has helped a child. For these kids, and anyone who receives a donation, it’s more than blood. It’s life,” Cath said.
“Whether a child is living with an immune condition, undergoing cancer treatment, or recovering from trauma, blood donation is the reason these life-saving treatments are possible and gives families hope in some of their hardest moments.”
To mark the week and highlight the impact of donors, Lifeblood has released a limited-edition bandage inspired by drawings from children at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide.
The bandage, designed by artist David Booth, will be available in donor centres across the country from National Blood Donor Week. The colourful design was created as a celebration of children’s creativity and resilience, giving donors a visible reminder of the people their donations may help.
“It was a real honour to meet and draw with young people who are the recipients of blood donations,” David said.
“I’m always humbled by young people’s ability to step into play mode when the pencils and markers come out, no matter what they are going through. I hope that our bandage helps donors connect with the joy in the drawings and feel the true impact they make with each donation.”
Lifeblood says blood, plasma and platelet donations are used across a wide range of medical needs, from emergency care and surgery to ongoing treatment for children with serious illness. With demand for blood and plasma continuing to grow, the organisation is urging first-time and returning donors to book in.
“Children throughout Australia rely on the 75,000 treatments made from donations of blood, plasma and platelets and sent to hospitals each year. Our new bandage is a visible reminder that donors don’t just give blood – they bring colour to little lives,” Cath said.
“Whether you’re a first-time donor or a regular donor, every donation helps ensure hospitals have the blood products children and other patients need, and helps make brighter days possible for them.”
All donors who give between June 8 and July 19 will receive the limited-edition bandage.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au, or make an appointment through the Lifeblood app.
