MICHAEL and Kim De Nicola have made regular trips to donate blood together for the past few years and hope to encourage other couples to do the same in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.
Married for the past seven years, the Cottesloe couple has donated blood to help others for about five of those years.
Mr De Nicola said he knew the importance of becoming a blood donor, as his mother received the benefit of a blood donation when he was born.
“My motivation for being a blood donor is giving the gift of life,” he said.
His wife said setting time aside to make a blood donation had also proved a good opportunity for the couple to get together and treat themselves.
“We make a day of donating – we book our appointments early and then go for a nice lunch together,” she said.
“It gives us some quality time before returning to the chaos when the kids get home.”
While one in three Australians will have a need for blood during their lifetime, only about 1-in-30 people currently donate.
Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokeswoman Sara Warren said the service looked forward to more donations during Valentine’s week as well as all year round.
“With long weekends ahead, it is vital to maintain supplies,” she said. “Whether you’re type A, B, O, or AB there is someone, somewhere who needs your blood type.”
Visit www.donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to make an appointment to donate blood.