This summer, New Zealand Blood Service is calling on Kiwis, to give blood, plasma – and hope to others.

NZBS needs people donate blood or plasma in the lead-up to Christmas and into the summer.

The Service estimates it needs to collect more than 5000 units of blood and plasma every week to enable it to continue to meet demand and give hope to those facing an unseen emergency.

'we are approaching the time when we all take a well-earned break from our normal life, but the reality is people still get sick, require ongoing treatment, have accidents and have babies. This continues throughout the lead up to Christmas and the summer, all of which means the demand for blood and plasma doesn't go away either,” says NZBS communications manager Asuka Burge.

'Last year 53,537 units of blood, plasma and platelets were issued across Aotearoa between December to February. This summer we're forecasting a four per cent increase in demand during the same period due to general increased usage we've seen during the course of 2022.”

To make it easy to donate wherever you are over the summer, Asuka suggests downloading the NZBlood Donor app where you can check your eligibility, search for a donation location using geo-location, check available bookings and book your next donation slot.

The NZBlood Donor app is free to download from the Appstore and Google Play.

Or to book an appointment to donate, visit: www.nzblood.co.nz or call 0800 448 325.