What do Beer and blood have in common?

Leading Australian Chef, Maggie Beer, and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service are joining forces to encourage first-time blood donors, their friends, family or colleagues to give blood during Operation Lifeblood in June and July.

Operation Lifeblood is the Australian Red Cross Blood Service?s largest national new donor recruitment campaign, designed to encourage 45,000 new donors to give 21,000 litres of blood this winter.

To recognise this achievement, any donor that presents to give blood and encourages five friends or family members of colleagues to do the same during June and July, could receive a tantalising gourmet dining experience.

Six special people will enjoy an exclusive taste sensation - a wonderful meal prepared by Maggie at her Pheasant Farm in South Australia's beautiful Barossa Valley - complemented by Peter Lehmann wines.

"I think Australia?s blood donors are wonderful people and deserve our appreciation. They give up their time to help other Australians in need," said Maggie Beer.

"When I heard about Operation Lifeblood, the drive to recruit first time volunteers, I thought it would be nice to join with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to say ?thank you? to the community-minded Australians who help save the lives of three people each time they give blood," she added.

Similar to food, blood and blood products have a shelf life that can vary depending on the type of product, ranging from five days to one year.

Roll up your sleeves during Operation Lifeblood this winter and give blood - make an appointment by calling 13 14 95.

Visit www.operationlifeblood.com or www.news.com.au/lifeblood to enter the gourmet dining experience.