Bendigo's real estate agents are rolling up their sleeves and hoping to make 50 blood donations in the next three months at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Bendigo.
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PH Property real estate agent Darren Waters said he started donating blood some years ago and it has always been something he wanted to do.
"We are trying to get as many people to donate as we can," Mr Waters said.
"There are packs that have been given to all real estate agencies in Bendigo and we are hoping for 50 donations of blood and plasma in the next couple of months."
All members of the community are welcome to join the cause by registering on the Lifeblood app and searching 'real estate agencies Bendigo blood drive.'
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood group account manager Shae Burns said Lifeblood need 29,000 donations every week to supply Australia's hospitals.
In 2018-19, more than half a million Australians gave blood, plasma or platelets to help others, with more than 100,000 new blood donors through the doors of Lifeblood centres.
"You can book an appointment to donate blood or plasma via the Lifeblood app, online or by calling 13 14 95," Ms Burns said.
"It takes about an hour to give blood and one and a half hours to give plasma.
"There is a high demand and need for plasma, so we are hoping to get more people giving plasma."
Mr Waters said during our lifetime, one in three people will need blood at some stage, but only one in 30 people donate.
"I'm motivated to do my little bit to help out the community," Mr Waters said.
Blood and plasma donations collected in Bendigo are taken to a Melbourne processing centre, where they are tested and then sent to health services across the state.
"What Darren is doing is uniting the Bendigo real estate industry to come together and help even more lives," Ms Burns said.
"Fifty donations can help about 150 people and we encourage more people to roll up their sleeves and give."
Most people are able to give blood if they are fit and healthy, are aged between 18 and 75 and weigh more than 50 kilograms.
You may be unable to donate if you are taking certain medications or antibiotics, have a cold or are feeling unwell and recently had surgery.
There are some firm exceptions to Lifeblood's blood donation policy, including if you have recently been pregnant or given birth, have had a serious heart condition or had a tattoo in the past four months.
For more information, visit donateblood.com.au
