As a community we've recently faced unparalleled challenges, yet one thing has remained consistent: the generosity of our blood donors.

Last year we received 1.5 million blood and plasma donations from around 500,000 donors, and when we called for donors in March, we received an unprecedented response as tens of thousands of people answered our call.

Since then, we've asked a lot of our amazing donors as we've adjusted to the challenges of a global pandemic. Yet with each change they've continued to support us and Australian patients, and I cannot thank them enough.

While we can't congratulate our Lifeblood Legends in person as we usually would for National Blood Donor Week, I want to publicly thank them for their commitment to the health of the nation. More than 50 Taree donors will be thanked for reaching a milestone of 50 or more blood donations.

Thank you, one and a half million times, to each and every one of our donors, not just from me and the team at Taree Blood Donor Centre, but on behalf of all patients who have received your gift of life.

Thank you for continuing to donate in the face of upheaval, for rolling up your sleeves even as you face uncertainty, and for keeping Australia's lifeblood flowing.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Manning River Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.