Members of the community have been notching up the numbers when it comes to donating blood in Dubbo.
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Dan Trimboli and Carol Tink both reached significant milestones last week after being regular visitors to Red Cross Dubbo Donor Centre.
Mr Trimboli recorded his 350th donation on April 5, driven by his passion to help others.
The agricultural scientist made his first donation at the previously legal age of 18 years old while he was attending university in Sydney.
He said he considered it a way of giving back to those in need.
“I’ve got something and I want to share it with other people,” he said.
“I’m passionate about it.”
Over the years Dan made regular blood donations, however in the past five years he changed to plasma donations which allows him to donate more frequently.
He said donating makes him feel satisfied, and he aims to reach 500 donations by the time he hits 81.
He encourages other people to roll-up their sleeves for what can save three lives in just one visit.
“Give it a try, even if it’s once a year it all helps,” he said.
“It’s not that bad once you’ve done the first one – I haven't cried once!”
Carol Tink also celebrated a milestone in reaching her 125th donation.
Carol too was 18 when she made her first donation following a request from the Red Cross for more donors.
“It’s like everything else – you or your family might need it one day,” she said.
She said the half hour, to hour-long appointments are a small price to pay.
“Just come and do it, you never know when you or someone in your family is going to need it, and it doesn’t hurt.”
Seventeen-year-old Jasmine Young also had reason to celebrate on Wednesday as she donated blood for the first time.
She said the experience wasn’t as bad as she’d imagined it would be.
The driving force behind her donation was the ability to help people, and when her aunt booked in for a donation she asked if she could come along.
“It makes me feel good, proud,” she said. “My dad would be proud.”