HORSHAM council law enforcement officer Maurice Rudolph has personally helped saved more than 300 lives.
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Mr Rudolph is a blood donor and has given blood 103 times.
He will receive recognition for the milestone number this week as part of National Blood Donor Week.
Mr Rudolph said he started donating in his mid-20s, in 1983.
He reached 100 donations a few months ago, but had never considered the numbers before.
“It’s not something you aim for,’’ he said.
“You just think of the good for the community.’’
Mr Rudolph said the bite of the needle was a small price to pay to help others.
He said he had never considered how many lives he had helped save through his donations.
“I guess it’s going on that sense of duty, just like a person who volunteers to help out with Meals on Wheels,’’ he said.
As blood recipients are anonymous, Mr Rudolph has no idea who he has helped.
But he has seen the result of blood donors in action.
In 1988, his wife Dianne gave birth but haemorrhaged.
Mr Rudolph said she had received blood that helped save her life.
“I guess it’s going on that sense of duty, just like a person who volunteers to help out with Meals on Wheels.’’
- Maurice Rudolph
The experience convinced Mrs Rudolph to become a blood donor as well.
Mr Rudolph said he would continue to donate while he was in good health.
Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokeswoman Sarah McKendrick said Mr Rudolph’s donations had potentially improved the lives of thousands of Australians.
“Every one of Mr Rudolph’s donations helps to save three lives, but his contribution has stretched so much further,’’ she said.
“Blood donors change more than just the three lives they help to save.
“A donation of blood has a ripple effect, from the person receiving the blood, right through to their entire family and their friends.
“Mr Rudolph is just one person but every donation he makes gives an amazing difference to the lives of countless others.’’
National Blood Donor Week started on Sunday.