Cootamundra Red Cross Blood Bank volunteers take time to remember the good times

Since the mid-1950s, the ladies had been instrumental in rounding up blood donors, assisting nurses with donations and providing a personal touch to the service.

However, with improving computer technology their services aren’t required because the work they did is no longer done or has been replaced by a computerised spreadsheet.

While some are trained nurses, others lent their time and effort because they know how important blood donations are for people in need.

Even today, donating a pint of blood every three months can save three lives.

Some of the ladies remember working at the old hospital at the Brennan School of Nursing following a Red Cross public meeting calling for volunteers in 1954.

Nancye Hicks who organised Wednesday’s get-together said some volunteers drove donors to Wagga Wagga so they could donate.

In the past blood donors were only needed for one day but Ms Bird said volunteers had to make sure the diary was full for nurses to ensure there was enough blood.

“We used to have a list but now because of evolving technology it’s all changed,” she said.

Retiree Elaine Macky said the changes to how the Blood Bank worked were “a bit sad”.

“I realise it’s progress and things have changed, but the people who like to give blood enjoy the personal touch from local volunteers,” Mrs Macky said.

“And the volunteers have enjoyed their time being able to greet the people and each other.

“After having given blood, they’d sit and relax and chat. It’s community.”

Mrs Macky was a registered nurses who retired to Cootamundra with her husband several years ago.

“It’s a wonderful thing to give blood. I was a donor for a long time until I was placed on medication.”

“Our adult children have been giving blood, they’re following on from what their parents started.”

The Red Cross Blood Service mobile donation truck will visit Cootamundra next on December 21 and December 27, before returning again in 2018.