Mr Griffiths, a retired journalist and “farm sitter” based in Grenfell, volunteers his time to visit country towns promoting the Red Cross Blood Service’s mobile blood units.

In Cootamundra recently, he said a lot of people got “a hell of a buzz” out of learning what happened with the blood they donated.

“The first time I got a text I can only equate with winning Lotto,” Jim said.

“It was six days after I donated blood in Orange in June last year and I got a text telling me my blood had gone to help two children at Royal Prince Alfred Hopsital in Sydney – I was thrilled!”

There are many similar comments – in Blayney a woman making her 64th donation said it was one of her best experiences, and interest among 19-21-year-olds has surged as it’s now being viewed as “cool” to donate.

Mr Griffiths visits towns ahead of the Red Cross’s mobile blood units to recruit business houses as ambassadors, putting up posters in their shops and telling customers about it.

“An interesting twist is that there’s more and more evidence now that donating blood is actually good for you, as well as being good for those who get the blood,” he said.

“While there’s not 100 per cent proof yet, the evidence is pointing towards giving blood doing your body a world of good because your body has to replenish the blood that’s taken.

“There are suggestions that there are reductions in stroke and heart problems.”

The mobile blood unit will be at Bourke Street in Cootamundra from Tuesday 26 February to Friday 1 March. 

Anyone who’d like to donate can make an appointment on 13 14 95. People can make up to four donations a year. 

If you just turn up, remember to have a good size breakfast and three or four glasses of fluid before coming, and bring photo ID.