Donors who have given between 50 and 300 donations were honoured at a function at Club Taree earlier this month.

The function was held in conjunction with National Blood Donor Week.

Regular blood donations are crucial, with supplies reliant on 1400 Taree donors who made 4500 blood donations over the last 12 months.

Blood Bank spokesperson Stuart Ward said other locals can become legends by making a regular donation. 

“Our amazing donors can’t do it alone, and we need more people to make blood donation a regular, life-saving habit.

“While one in three Australians will need blood during their lifetime, only one in 30 Australians currently gives blood.

“It takes just an hour of your time to donate blood and every donation can help save up to three lives,” Mr Ward said.

Rodney Mann is Taree’s leading contributor after bringing up his 300th donation earlier this year.

Mr Ward said the kindness of donors like Rodney save the lives of thousands of people each year.

“Every 24 seconds across Australia, a legend like Rodney donates blood and saves lives,” Mr Ward said.

Donor services executive director Cath Stone said National Blood Donor Week gave the organisation a chance to recognise all those who’ve made a contribution. 

“National Blood Donor Week is a time when we say thank you to all our donors for their generosity and life-saving gifts, and we are using this opportunity to inspire more people to donate.” Ms Stone said.

Every year, locals help save the lives of 13,500 Aussies, including cancer patients, pregnant mums, road trauma victims, premature babies, and people with blood disorders.

Call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au to make an appointment.