Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to go along and donate their precious blood, it could save a life!!!

Local resident, Jim Griffiths admits to debating “within” for more than 20 years before that first donation in August 2000.

Now 18 years on, and 56 donations (56 litres) of whole blood, his life revolves around the required 80 days between blood donations, and being a week or two late is not an option.

“One day I found myself with a few hours to spare in Orange, and no longer could I justify the excuse “I haven’t got time”.

I fronted up to the Red Cross Blood Bank, enjoyed the experience and the tremendous feeling of helping someone not so fortunate.

“Upon reflection I regard it as one of the most positive days in my life, and feel there is no more satisfying achievement in life.

“Forget about the needles, look the other way if necessary,

“Just think of those people you are helping – children, accident victims, or those unfortunate enough to contract a life-threatening disease,

“It’s a great feeling, and research is continuing to confirm increasing benefits to a donors body as it replaces that litre of blood in the days following a donation, “ he added.

The Red Cross Blood Bank have already informed Jim his “O Positive” litre of blood, donated in Orange last week, has “gone towards saving lives at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital”.

With 48 per cent of Australia’s population carrying O positive blood in their veins, this type is in big demand, and Jim says he is aiming at 100 donations before reaching the Blood Bank’s cut-off age of 81 for regular donors. 

The Red Cross Blood Bank restrict whole blood donations to one every 80 days (nearly 12 weeks), but plasma donors are allowed to donate more frequently.

For information regarding plasma donations, to donate, or to just find out more call in and see one of the friendly staff at the Australian Red Cross Blood Bank today in Grenfell at Vaughn Park.

You can also call 13 14 95 or visit http://www.donateblood.com.au/