The Bendigo Conservatory will light up red on June 18-20 to celebrate the 4557 extraordinary Bendigo blood and plasma donors as part of the national week.

Bendigo's James Breen is one of those being thanked, having given his 300th plasma/blood donation recently, which have helped save the lives of up to 900 patients.

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Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns said blood donation allows ordinary people to be extraordinary lifesavers, even in times of hardship.

"From cancer patients to road trauma victims, people with blood disorders to burns victims, donated blood underpins quality healthcare in Australia," she said.

Ms Burns said each week Australia's blood donors collectively give 31,000 donations - that's the equivalent of a donation every 24 seconds in the time our blood donor centres are open.

"This National Blood Donor Week, we want to say a huge thank you to all of our donors who made a difference and to ask others to use this week to make a change for life by becoming a blood donor," she said.

This week, Lifeblood will launch a new blood donation feature in Australia aimed at helping top up blood donation reserves with much needed new donors.

The feature will allow those aged between 18 and 75 to sign up to receive updates on Facebook about giving blood, get notified about opportunities to donate at local blood donation centres and invite friends to donate.

Ms Burns said Facebook is a great way to spread the message about giving blood.

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"We're really excited about the blood donation feature which will allow donors to receive local updates and encourage their friends to do the same," she said.

"Giving blood feels great, and it only takes an hour of your time. We're calling on Bendigo locals to make a change for life and become a blood donor."

Currently in Bendigo, there are 180 blood and plasma donors needed over the next two weeks to help patients that rely on donated blood.

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au to get more information.

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