Dubbo Blood Donor Centre marketing co-ordinator Helen Woods said each blood donation had the potential to save three lives.

“By becoming a blood donor you have the potential to generate goodwill, increase pride, motivation and your action actively demonstrates your values,” she said.

Les Lambert has been driving the blood bus to the Dubbo Blood Donor Centre on a volunteer basis for the past 11 or 12 years, and says he is passionate about the cause.

“I give blood myself, I’m up to about 40 donations,” he said.

“I didn’t give blood when I first started it - I didn’t like the idea of it but they talked my into it.

“There are so many Australians out there that should be giving blood but aren’t.

“It’s something that everyone should be thinking about because of the need to help your fellow man and it may even help your relative.”

People aged 16 to 70, who are feeling well and weigh more than 45kg can donate blood.

The majority of blood donations go to people with major medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stomach and bowel disease, liver and kidney disease, people with haemophilia and to newborn babies and pregnant women

Blood has a shelf-life of up to five days for platelets, up to 42 days for red cells and up to one year for plasma so the need for blood is constant and ongoing.

The Narromine blood bus will depart from the Narromine hospital at 6pm on Monday, and 6pm the following Monday.

Anyone interested in participating can contact Les Lambert on 0407 314 537.