With the help of workers in Port Macquarie, Essential Energy placed second in the state for the highest number of corporate blood donations in NSW in 2017.
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Workers in the company donated 909 times during the year, including Port Macquarie’s own Harry Pol who donated 20 times in 2017.
As Harry made his 181st donation on June 7, he said that donating blood is something that has run in his family for generations.
“My grandfather started regularly donating blood after World War Two and passed the act on to my mum and she passed it on to me,” Harry said.
“I first donated blood when I turned 18 and have regularly donated ever since.”
He said that as well as it being a family tradition, the thought of doing something for someone else was what kept him coming back.
“One in three will need blood at some point in their life and I think it is important that if you can donate then you do,” he said.
“It is not painful, doesn’t take much time and you know it is going to help someone who will need it.
“It is also great that Essential Energy is a strong supporter of its workers donating blood regularly so there is a real sense of community when we donate together.
“Regularly we come down as a group and donate which then means that people are more likely to do it and to remember to do it, if work give you the time to.”
Community relations officer, Stuart Ward said that it is thanks to groups like workers from Essential Energy that the blood bank is replenished.
“Essential Energy a great supporters of the blood service and their contribution to saving lives across Australia is appreciated,” Mr Ward said.
“With the cooler months upon us, regular blood donation is even more critical to keep up blood supplies throughout Australia.
“Blood only lasts 42 days, so it is important that when the holidays and the colder weather approach people think about donating.”
He said that group bookings are always welcomed.
“We are trying to encourage sporting groups, workplaces and groups of friends to come in together and donate blood,” he said.
“For the first time we know it might be scary for some so donating with friends is a great way to go about it.
“Also friends or colleagues who come in together are more likely to become regular donors if it becomes a social event.”
To donate blood contact the Australia Red Cross Blood Service online or call 13 14 95.