Author // Rachel Avery, Place Newmarket
Giles Baxter has religiously donated blood every month, and now every two weeks, for the last 35 years.
June 14 marks World Blood Donor Day and this Kelvin Grove local will be celebrating his 300th donation with the Australian Red Cross.
We caught up with Giles to celebrate this milestone. He shares with us why he believes it's so important to donate blood.
Photo Credit: Giles Baxter
How did you get involved in donating blood?
When I first started working for Telstra 35 years ago, there was a real culture among staff to donate blood where we could. Sometimes we’d all jump in the car on a slow day and go together.
As we were all so dedicated to the cause, the Red Cross started coming to our office once every three months and we’d take turns donating blood.
Once I became a regular donor, the Red Cross approached me about donating plasma, rather than whole blood.
Plasma donations can take place once a month (now every fortnight), as opposed to whole blood, which is once every three months.
It takes a regular commitment to do this, but I really enjoy helping someone in need.
Donating has now become a ritual for me and, just like clockwork, every fortnight I go along to the Red Cross and do my bit.
What is donated blood and plasma used for?
People of all walks of life need blood products for various reasons. Some need it to get them through a serious event in their lives, like cancer or a dangerous pregnancy.
Others have medical conditions where they require blood products regularly to stay healthy or alive.
Why do you think it’s important to donate blood or other blood products like plasma?
Photo Credit: Giles Baxter
Being a regular donor is very rewarding, not just for that feeling that you get for helping others, but being a regular, it’s great to see all of the people at the Red Cross who know you by name.
All the Red Cross staff are friendly and appreciative - it just makes it all that extra special and rewarding.
What would you say to people considering donating blood/plasma?
I would encourage everyone who can to donate blood. Not only could it help people survive a serious event in their lives, but it might be someone you know or even someone you love who benefits from your donation.
Another advantage of donating is that each time you donate, the Red Cross will test your blood and will notify you if they find anything wrong, which is also very comforting (and free).
The Red Cross recognises your milestones and celebrates them with you. If you are working for a large organisation, you can also donate as a group and have your donations recorded against your organisation.
You can even check your organisation’s donations online and compete against other departments, or even other organisations (like the ATO or Telstra).
If you’d like to donate blood, head over to www.donateblood.com.au and find out if you’re eligible. Every donation can save three lives.