TAFE SA’s Wes Jeffries has just notched up his 350th donation to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, potentially helping to save up to 1050 lives along the way.

Wes donates plasma every few weeks and says it’s a simple thing he can do to make a positive difference in the community.

“For me, it feels like an easy thing to do. Yes, there’s a time commitment but you read the Lifeblood stories about how useful it is - it can be lifesaving - and you feel like you’re helping,” he says.

“Donating plasma has become part of my routine and I use the time to sit and reflect and read.”

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood collects donations of blood, plasma and platelets for a range of life-saving treatments. They estimate one in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime

Plasma, the yellowish liquid part of blood, is used in 18 different ways to support people with immune deficiencies, disease and serious infections.

Wes, who is a lecturer in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), says he first donated to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood when the centre was located across the road from TAFE SA’s city campus.

While the centre is now in Regent Arcade, it remains convenient and, he says, the team is friendly and welcoming.

Wes jokes that while he was initially enticed by the free food and drink, he soon found it to be a rewarding endeavour.

“It’s an easy thing for me to do, I don’t experience any side effects and I know how much it’s needed in the community,” he says.

“Donating plasma takes a bit longer than donating whole blood but I can also do it more regularly.”

A dad to two primary-school aged boys, Wes balances family and work commitments and says the key to finding time to visit Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is making it a regular part of his routine.

“For anyone thinking about being a donor, I’d say give it a go. It’s not scary, the staff are great and the overall experience is good,” he says.

“My tip is that once you’ve done it once, re-book straight away so that it becomes a habit.”

To make a life-saving donation, click here and make sure to select TAFE SA as your team (just search for team TAFE SA in preferences).

Don’t forget to post a selfie while donating blood or plasma on social media and tag @tafesa @lifebloodau with the hashtag #Lifebloodau!