With the holiday season creating both a spike in demand and a decline in supply, a campaign is underway to get more people to donate their blood.

‘‘If I can call Victorians to do one thing ... it is to give the gift of life,’’ Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said as she helped launch the Australian Red Cross Blood Service holiday campaign at the Melbourne CBD Blood Donor Centre on Thusday.

Cordelia (left) and Jennifer Purse, 64 (right) donate blood at the Melbourne CBD Blood Donor Centre on Thursday.

‘‘By donating blood, you’re potentially helping save the lives of cancer patients, babies and road trauma victims.

‘‘Typically during the holiday season while people are away on holidays they tend to miss their appointments and not turn up.