Every day countless recipients require blood and blood products. There are over half a million active blood donors across Australia including a few workers in the mining industry who not only save lives but have a little friendly competition while they’re at it.

Glencore has saved 378 lives this year with their blood, plasma and platelet donations.

At the Maitland Blood Donation Clinic, Glencore is one of the top team donors in the region who head along and regularly donate blood, plasma or platelets. One of the top donors in the team is Jonathon Gontier.

Jonathon is the Business Systems Analyst for SAP Plant Maintenance with the Glencore Corporate team based in Newcastle. He has made 63 donations for Team Glencore.

“I have been donating routinely since 2019. The feeling of giving and knowing that it is doing good for people in need and maybe one day if I ever need it, it’ll be there for me too from someone else.

“The good thing I like about the blood and the platelet donation is that they tell you where your donation goes. It’s always nice to see when the blood goes to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead for instance.”

Lifeblood Group Account Manager for the Hunter region and Dubbo, Brian Bruce said donations from business and community groups make up around a third of the state’s bloody supply.

“We’re incredibly grateful to groups like Glencore for helping to keep supplies flowing. Particularly with the demand for blood at a 10-year high and plasma demand the highest it’s ever been, support from business is helping hundreds of new mums and babies, trauma and accident victims, and those undergoing cancer treatment, as well as many other seriously ill Australians.

“We know that donating as part of group motivates many people who want to donate to overcome their fears about donating blood.”

Jonathon said donating is nothing to be scared about.

“Don’t fear needles to start with! It rarely hurts, they do such a good job. For people who have children it seems more prevalent these days that kids are getting unwell so to be able to give and help a child and helping people who need it is wonderful,” he said.

Brian added it feels like lining up for a rollercoaster the first time you donate, but there’s lots you can do to prepare.

“Make sure you are well hydrated, have plenty to eat and drink, and donate with a friend if possible. Our nurses are very experienced at collecting blood and will stop the donation if they have any concern about your donation. Most donors report feeling nothing but happy to have helped save lives after donating.

“Often after overcoming the fear of a first donation, most people realise it’s not scary. You’ll be able to put your feet up to save lives and enjoy free snacks and refreshments on us afterwards.”

The colder times of the year are generally when more blood donations are needed for a number of reasons.

“It’s because of high demand and many blood donors being unwell and unable to donate. Donors need to be fit and well and healthy to donate, and clear of cold and flu symptoms by 7 days.

“Christmas is also a challenging time for similar reasons, we see high demand over holiday periods with a spike in accidents and trauma, and hospitals working hard to get patients home for Christmas, but many regular donors take a break,” said Brian.

Your blood can save lives, so roll up those sleeves!

For more information, where to donate and what you need to do: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood If you would like to get a team together to donate, contact Brian: BBruce@redcrossblood.org.au