Blood donors save lives; in fact, a single blood donation can help up to three people.

There are benefits for you as well. You will find out your blood group, have your haemoglobin checked and get a free tasty treat after you’ve finished your donation.

Giving an hour of your time will help kids in hospital, newborn babies, and people under going surgery and burns and accident victims.

Donating blood takes less than 10 minutes. However, allow about an hour to also complete the paperwork, have your interview with the nurse and enjoy your free post-donation drink and bite to eat.

To get an idea of what the needle feels like, gently pinch the inside of your elbow.

No big deal when you consider how many people you’re helping.

The good news is, were not asking you to come back every day.

We only want to see you four times a year, so that’s just once every 12 weeks.

We take the work out of remembering to come back in, because we will get in touch with you by phone, email, snail mail or text.

All the equipment used is sterile; needles are used only once and then discarded.

Your donation of 470ml is less than 10 per cent of your total blood volume and may safely be given every 12 weeks.

If you are over 16 (or 18 if you live in Tasmania or the Northern Territory);

weigh more than 45kg

have not had a tattoo in the last 12 months

have had a body piercing performed with clean, single use/disposable equipment (in which chase we can use your plasma only for 12 months)

meet other guidelines desig-ned to protect both you and the people who will receive your blood (further information on this is available by calling 131 495 by visiting the following website www.donateblood.com.au), you can donate.

Our local Red Cross representative is Kath Groves and she can be contacted on 6954 9124 or the Griffith Branch 6964 2958 for an appointment or information.

Blood Bank will be held on December 20 at the Coleambally Bowling Club from 9.30am to 12.30pm.