"At this time of year Australians are looking to the year ahead and making New Year's resolutions", Kathryn Wilson from the Blood Service said. "Giving blood is a New Year's resolution that doesn't cost anything yet one donation can help save up to three lives."

Giving blood only takes an hour with the actual donation taking just five to ten minutes. The majority of time is spent relaxing in the donor refreshment lounge afterwards with free food and drink served by volunteers.

As blood and its components has a limited shelf life there is always a need for ongoing and regular blood donations to replenish stock levels. Australia needs 21,000 blood donations each week.

The blood given voluntarily by donors will be needed every day to help accident victims, people undergoing surgery, cancer and leukemia patients, women giving birth and premature babies.

To check your eligibility and book an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au

The Taree Donor Centre is aiming for 190 individual blood donors every week in January. They are currently only getting about 140 per week on average. This will likely leave the Blood Service short of their collection demands.

The centre is located at Shop1/6 Macquarie Street, opposite the RTA.

Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday 11am to 6pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8am to 2pm, Friday 8am to 2pm plasma only.