Easter Monday call for blood donors

As chocolate consumption goes up, blood donations dry up.

The Red Cross Blood Service says it needs 1300 people to donate blood on Easter Monday to avoid a shortfall in its life-saving products.

"Fewer people give blood around Easter because they are focused on taking holidays," says spokesman Shaun Inguanzo.

"Yet the need for blood never stops."

Road accidents during the holidays are a major draw on the blood supply, as are cancer patients who require regular infusions during chemotherapy.

Mr Inguanzo says a single donation can save three lives, and one in three Australians will need donated blood during their lifetime.