Hunter locals encouraged to roll up sleeves for Easter blood drive

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's being urged to think about donating blood this Easter, with concern supplies of O negative blood are at their lowest levels in 12 months.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood will be keeping the doors open at its Newcastle and Maitland donation centres on Good Friday, in a desperate push for donors with the rare type.

Spokesperson Jemma Falkenmire says it's especially concerning approaching the back-to-back Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends.

"It's the time that we always see spikes in demand for blood, and particularly the emergency blood type, which can be used in really high volumes in emergencies like road accidents or traumas," Ms Falkenmire said.

"We have only one-and-a-half day's supply across the state of that blood type."

While O negative makes up 15 percent of hospital orders, just seven percent of people have the blood type.

It's in high demand, because O negative can be used in situations where emergency responders don't know the patient's blood type.

Ms Falkenmire says while not everyone knows their blood type, donating is a great way to find out.

"There's that really amazing group of people in Newcastle, about 2.5 percent of the local population, who are in there every two to three weeks donating blood," Ms Falkenmire said.

"We don't need those kind of regular donations from everybody, but what we do need is more people just to spare an hour or two of their time to come in and help us out, when things are this low."

Red Cross Lifeblood's hoping to have 4,500 across the country book a spot before Easter Monday, and another 7,500 donors through to ANZAC Day.

Ms Falkenmire says it can be intimidating, but it's a rewarding experience.

"You get a health check before you donate," Ms Falkenmire said. 

"We've got free chocolate Easter eggs to give out to people who come in as well to sweeten the blood donation deal.

"And your blood is helping to save lives within as little as 48 hours, so it's well worth the time investment of an hour."

If you think you're eligible to give blood, visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.

Newcastle Woman Leaves $14 Million to Charity

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Former Bar Beach resident, Sheila Woodcock, has left a donation of almost $14 million to 15 community organisations. 

Miss Woodcock passed away on May 12, 2018 aged 87, and was a lover of animals, the arts, cricket, tennis, chocolate and travel. 

Local organisations who received part of the donation include the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Salvation Army, Breast Cancer Trials, RSPCA Newcastle and Vision Australia Newcastle. 

The funding will support the construction of the region’s new RSPCA veterinary hospital, a new helicopter service training facility, several medical research programs, scholarships for researchers and health professionals, and scholarship programs and services for young people. 

The Salvation Army will buy a property to create accommodation for the homeless in Belmont. 

Family spokesperson, Kent Woodcock, announced the funding today which he said is in addition to funding Miss Woodcock provided to some of the organisations, and others, throughout her life.

“This wasn't just a one off, this is over a life time as well. Sheila was about friendship, care and community," he said. 

Mr Woodcock said Miss Woodcock had good business sense. Her grandfather established the family business Earp, Woodcock and Beveridge.

“Sheila became a major shareholder in the business and, with her business advisers, astutely managed her business affairs and invested wisely,’ he said.

“Sheila chose to share her fortune with others who were doing good work for others.”

CEO of Guide Dogs NSW, Dale Cleaver, says the donation to his organisation will support the training of another 25 guide dogs. 

"It takes over $50,000 and two years to breed, raise and train a good guide dog, so Sheila's contribution is going to make quite a difference to us," he said. 

"Without the generosity of people like Sheila, we wouldn't be able to deliver the services we do to people with vision impairment," he said. 

Over her 30 years of friendship with guide dogs, Sheila provided close to $350,000. 

                                         Sheila Woodcock
                                                    Image Credit: Newcastle Herald

Helping Hunter Families at Christmas Time

BY: ALEX MURRAY


Starting today, the Cessnock City Council's Christmas Gift and Food appeal are asking for donations during the festive season to help the less unfortunate families in the community.

The donations will go towards the Kurri Kurri Community Centre as well as the Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood centre which already has substantial contributions annually from the Hunter region.

As part of the Christmas appeal, the council is asking for any generous donation of toys and non-perishable food items which can be dropped off under the Christmas tree at the Cessnock City Council administration.

The Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent says, "The donations mean a lot to local families that are doing it tough this festive season."

"Throughout the year, not just Christmas, we are assisting around 40 families in the area which equates to more than 80 children"

"I think we have a very caring community and this is how they share their support to the wider area."

Donation Drop of Points include:

Cessnock Administration Building: 62-78 Vincent Street Cessnock

Kurri Kurri Library: 245 Lang Street Kurri Kurri NSW

Cessnock Library: 63/65 Vincent St, Cessnock NSW