Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) employee Rory Hammersley-Mather has marked a special milestone, rolling up his sleeve for his 100th donation to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
Mr Hammersley-Mather, an Establishment Support Officer as part of Council's People, Culture and Engagement team began donating blood 13 years ago.
Mr Hammersley-Mather said while he was proud of achieving his 100th donation, it was an even better feeling to be able to help people and do his bit for the community.
"I started donating blood because my Mum worked with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood service," he said.
"I donated a couple of times a year until two years ago when I decided I wanted to make a real difference and committed to donating fortnightly.
"It's a great feeling knowing you're helping people, just last week I received a text message saying my plasma donation was used in 18 life-saving procedures.
"I really would encourage anyone thinking about donating blood to do it, we always need more donors."
TRC Finance and Business Strategy Committee Chair Cr Geoff McDonald congratulated Mr Hammersley-Mather on his achievement.
"Rory's commitment to saving lives is admirable and I would like to commend him for his wonderful contribution," Cr McDonald said.
"The importance of blood donation cannot be overstated. Donors perform one of the most generous acts in our community.
"Every day these valuable donations save and improve the lives of hundreds of people with serious medical conditions, including patients on dialysis, cancer patients and haemophiliacs.
"Apart from patients undergoing regular treatment, no one can foresee when injury or an accident will require emergency intervention.
"Council staff have given 269 donations this year, helping to save 864 lives through their generosity of spirit and commitment to blood donation."
Australian Red Cross Blood Service regional partnerships manager Sandee Thompson encouraged people to book an appointment to donate.
"Red Cross statistics show that one in three Australians will need blood or a blood product during their life. One in 30 Australians presently donates blood," she said.
"A whole blood donation takes around an hour to complete (including a pre-donation interview), while plasma donations take around 90 minutes."
