Blacktown City Council staff member Keith Craigie is no stranger to rolling up his sleeves for a good cause and, last month, the veteran blood donor made his 100th donation to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
Mr Craigie, from the Council Infrastructure Maintenance team, marked the occasion with a plasma donation at the Nepean Donor Centre in Jamisontown as part of the Local Government Blood Challenge.
His 'bloody good' habit began around 50 years ago when he was an apprentice in England and continued after he immigrated to Australia in 1977.
Mr Craigie made a tradition out of donating with his workplaces, and with half a century's worth of donations behind him, it's estimated he has saved 300 lives.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM congratulated Mr Craigie and all Council staff who continue to make blood, plasma and platelet donations.
"Keith is the true definition of a lifesaver and through his generosity, he has made a significant contribution in helping some of the 33,000 Aussies who need blood every week," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"Right now, donating blood is one of the essential reasons you can leave home during the COVID-19 lockdown.
"It's quick, easy and COVID-safe - so if you can, please consider booking an appointment."
Mr Craigie said he tried to donate every fortnight, and encouraged others to donate whenever they could.
"After a family cancer scare, I saw how much blood products are needed, so if people don't donate, we're going to be in all sorts of trouble," Mr Craigie said.
"I've always thought it was a good thing to do - it's like putting money in the bank, you never know
when you might need to go to hospital and have a blood transfusion.
"I look forward to donating and it only takes an hour and a half of your time."
As for his tip for those afraid of the needle: "I always tell people, "Don't look down. Put your arm out
and look around the room or look at the clock and you will be fine".
Each year, Blacktown City Council participates in the Local Government Blood Challenge,
competing against councils around Australia to make the most donations to Lifeblood between July
and September, when blood donations are down due to the cold and flu season.
Anyone can donate towards Council's tally, just ask the nurse when making your donation that you
would like your donation to go towards Blacktown City Council's tally.
The mobile blood donation van will be visiting the Kmart Blacktown car park on 30 September.
To make an appointment to donate blood, download the 'Donate Blood' app or visit
www.donateblood.com.au
Picture: Blacktown City Council employee Keith Craigie makes his 100th donation to Australia Red
Cross Lifeblood.
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