The campaign focuses on current donors getting their mates to donate blood.

Donors can nominate friends they believe should be giving blood through a new website. They can send them an email and then track how many of their mates have donated.

“One in three of us will need blood or a blood product at some point during our lives, so many of us will rely on others to help us out,” national operations manager for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Dr Pip Hetzel said.

“You may not need blood yet but, is it unreasonable to ask your mates to help out in advance and help other Australians as well?” Dr Hetzel said.

On Monday, October 8, local residents donated their blood at the Hawks Nest Community Centre.

Hawks Nest resident, Noela Hickey, is a regular blood donor and was donating for the 23rd time.

“I donate because I think it is such a good thing to do,” Noela said.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service donor-mobile will be at the Plough Inn car park in Bulahdelah on Tuesday, October 23, from 1.30pm to 6.30pm. The blood donor system is a great way to help people in need of blood.

For more information on the Mates Donate campaign go to www.matesdonate.com.au