Ray Guthrie makes his 666th plasma donation with Dragon Abreast Gold Coast members Helen Wilson, Lorie Heaton, Fay Henderson and Sue Clackett.

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THE ultimate gift of time for those in need of blood is being celebrated by the Robina Blood Donor Centre this month.

The campaign, The Golden Gift, was launched last week by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and signifies the extra time granted by plasma and platelet donations.

Members of breast cancer awareness group Dragons Abreast Gold Coast were at the launch to thank donors.

President Fay Henderson said she knew how important blood donors were after receiving a blood donation.

“At the time I was really scared that I wasn’t going to make it and I desperately needed the blood transfusion in order to survive,” Ms Henderson said.

“My heartfelt thanks go out to the people who donate blood, my life was saved and I’m now able to live to enjoy my life.”

Regular donor Raymond Guthrie rolled up his sleeve for his 666th plasma donation at the campaign launch last week.

“It’s absolutely golden to be able to give such a precious gift to a fellow Australian in need, and all it takes to give this Golden Gift is a bit of my time,” he said.

Until April 30, Donor Centres across Queensland will be decorated in gold to highlight Australia’s growing need for plasma and platelets.

Plasma and platelets are needed to treat life threatening illnesses such as cancer and are also used for trauma, unborn babies and burn victims.

Blood service spokeswoman Zoe Bargh said they anticipate a doubling in demand for blood in the next 10 years.

“Most of that growth is underpinned by an increased need for plasma,” Ms Bargh said.

“Gold Coast Robina and Southport donor centres require more than 8900 plasma and platelet donations this year alone.

“By making The Golden Gift of both your precious time and plasma or platelets; you are giving time to those who need it.”