The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is always looking for ways to capture more blood donors – but never did it think this would happen with a Pokeball!

But that was the case this week, as savvy, Pokemon Go-addicted staff placed a lure at a Pokestop near the mobile donor centre in Brisbane, capturing 10 donors – six of them who had never given blood before.

This represented nearly a quarter of the mobile donor centre’s collection target for the day.

The local marketing team – which admittedly includes some Pokemon Go fans – set a Lure at a point close to the mobile donor centre, quickly attracting a congregation of Pokemon trainers, snapped by fellow trainers on social media.

Lifeblood spokeswoman Belinda Smetioukh said Pokemon Go had already been credited with getting gamers out and walking – now it could be credited with saving lives through blood donation.

“Attracting Pokemon trainers to our mobile donor centre enabled a discussion between staff and the trainers, and we were able to capture some equally rare creatures of our own: new donors!” Ms Smetioukh said.

“Those 10 extra donations will go on to help save or improve 30 lives – and those patients will owe their wellbeing to 10 very keen Pokemon Go trainers.”

Brisbane has four mobile donor centres, which still need extra donors for the remainder of this week.

To give blood while getting out and about to expand your Pokedex, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au/make-appointment

