A team of NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from Sutherland Shire made 400 blood donations over winter, with one member recently reaching his own personal milestone.
Teddy Haryjanto recently made his 200th blood donation to the NSW Red Cross Lifeblood service.
Lifeblood spokeswoman Elissa King said Mr Haryjanto's donations helped save the lives of 600 Australians needing blood.
An SES team including Mr Haryjanto made 400 donations over the winter months, helping secure blood stocks for cancer patients, new mums, trauma and accident victims.
Mr Haryjanto first donated blood 22 years ago as a university student in Jakarta after he was motivated to help after the Bali bombings in 2002.
"It might just be a number to some but I can't help but feel a little bit proud that I am able to help people," he said.
"I may not see the result of every single donation, but I hope each bag has changed lives as it has changed mine.
"The SES is like a family and I have learned so much about how I can help the community. It's an amazing feeling to be surrounded to my orange family and see what we can do together."
NSW SES Sutherland Shire local controller John Gonzalez congratulated the team on the achievement.
"It is pleasing to see our members come together to assist the community, not only in their hour of need during a flood or a storm but also in donating blood to save those in hospital," he said.
Ms King said Australia owed the SES blood donors and Mr Haryjanto a big 'thank you'.
"Their commitment to saving lives is extraordinary," she said.
"They have helped save the lives of hundreds of cancer patients, new mothers and trauma victims who wouldn't be alive without them.
"They have supported us throughout lockdowns and the pandemic, continuing to donate even in times of uncertainty, and that has helped keep blood supplies flowing to our hospitals."
According to Lifeblood, hospital demand continues to be the highest in almost a decade, with increased presentations in surgery, obstetrics and emergency.
Ms King said O blood type was particularly needed right now.
"By becoming a regular blood donor just like Teddy, you will be helping the one in three Australians who will need blood or a blood product in their lifetime," she said.
Blood donation is an essential service under government lockdown regulations, and travel and venue restrictions do not prevent people from donating blood.
Details: To make an appointment phone 13 14 95 or click here.
