Rachel Boyle, a customer service officer at the Rochester, Elmore and Lockington branches, rolled up her sleeve at the Bendigo Donor Centre to make he company's 1000th blood donation last week. 

Ms Boyle said she felt inspired to give back to the community and it was the least she could do. 

"It’s great to know that just by taking 30 minutes out of my day I can potentially save three lives, it really is so easy," she said. 

"Helping the bank reach its donation target is an added bonus and a milestone I’m proud to be a part of."

The bank is taking part in the corporate challenge - an initiative of the Red Cross Blood - which encourages businesses to donate blood and potentially save a life.

Bendigo Bank community engagement executive Robert Musgrove said the bank had jumped at the chance to help drive blood donation and encouraged other businesses to do the same.

He said he was proud of the efforts of all bank staff. 

"The people across our network understand the meaning of community and how giving up our time and even our blood, can help others around us in need,” Mr Musgrove said.

"We have reached our target for this year but we're certainly not going to be stopping there. 

"We want to continue to spread the blood donation message and get more Australian businesses on board, so we can have an even bigger challenge next year."

Each donation to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service has the potential to save three lives.

The Bendigo Blood Donor Centre is at 6-8 High Street.

Any business, community or youth group can donate as part of the challenge. 

To find out more about the initiative and how you can donate, visit www.donateblood.com.au 

To track Bendigo Bank's progress in the 2014 corporate challenge, visit www.bendigoadelaide.com.au