Jenny Kee’s latest iconic design a celebration of giving

Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has teamed up with pioneering and legendary Australian artist and designer Jenny Kee to celebrate those who donate blood.

Kee, one of the country’s most inspirational artists and designers, first witnessed the power of blood donation in 1977 when the train she and her two-year-old daughter were traveling on crashed, killing 83 passengers.

After the accident that became known as the Granville train disaster, Kee has never forgotten the thousands of Australians who came together to donate blood to save the lives of those injured.

“It was a truly horrifying event, but I found out later that over 2,000 people donated blood for these injured passengers. I just think there’s something inspiring about it,” Kee said.

“Total strangers coming together to give a part of themselves and try to save the life of someone they haven’t even met. It was a glimmer of hope on a very dark day,” she said.

Each week, 33,000 Australians take the time to donate blood and plasma to save the lives of people they never met. Just one blood donation can save up to three lives.

To celebrate the generosity of these remarkable Australians, Kee has created an iconic limited edition bandage to wrap around the arms of donors who will be rolling up their sleeves to donate throughout March.

Inspired by International Women’s Day, Kee says the eye-catching bandage, which is adorned with some of her signature motifs including doves, hearts and waratahs, also pays tribute to Australia’s generous and giving women who are changing lives.

“The bandage is my homage to all women. The dove represents universal peace, the heart for the love that never ceases to give, and the waratah – she is the ultimate queen of the bush. Bringing these three beautiful symbols together in one image is a powerful visual statement for women’s empowerment,” she said.

Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Services, Cath Stone, said Lifeblood is thrilled to be collaborating with pioneering Australian designer Jenny Kee to honor Australia’s generous donors and raise awareness of their lifesaving contributions.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with such an iconic and inspirational Australian artist and designer to celebrate the generosity of Australia’s blood donors,” said Ms Stone.

“This stunning bandage is a reminder that giving up your time to donate blood can save up to three lives,” she said.

In Australia, a donation is needed every 18 seconds and a new blood donor is needed every four minutes. Currently, 55% of new donors in Australia are women.

In addition to recognizing women who donate blood, Ms Stone said International Women’s Day is also an opportunity to thank Lifeblood’s breast milk donors.

“Last year Lifeblood shipped 3,493 liters of human milk to 35 hospitals in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia,” said Ms Stone.

“Thanks to the generosity of 360 breastfeeding mothers, we have been able to help more than 1,500 of Australia’s youngest and most vulnerable preterm babies.”

Designed by Jenny Kee, the bandage is part of Lifeblood’s 2023 True Colors campaign. As part of the campaign, Lifeblood is collaborating with Australian artists and designers to create limited edition bandages to encourage blood donation while ensuring donors look and feel good while donating.

Kee said: “Donating blood is the ultimate act of kindness and costs nothing but your time. Your generosity could save a life.”

The Jenny Kee bandages will be available at Lifeblood donor centers nationwide beginning March 6, inclusive of International Women’s Day on March 8, while supplies last.

To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app.