The Sri Lankan community of Wagga banded together today to give the gift of life in a blood donation drive.
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Sampath Hathurusinge was one of the organisers of the drive, motivated by an issue close to his heart.
"When I was a child around seven, my mother got ill and we struggled to find blood for her," he said.
"I was really scared.
"Then, recently, one of our friend's sons got Leukemia and they were in desperate need of blood."
After donating his own blood for many years now, Mr Hathurusinge brought the group of about 15 people together.
"We are thinking of doing this blood donation every month now as a group, and a lot of those participating in this are already regular donors," he said.
Mr Hathurusinge said the process reaped many benefits.
"You not only feel good about yourself for doing a good thing, but it actually helps your body burn calories, and it's good for the liver and heart, it really is good for everyone involved," he said.
"This is the best gift you can give to another person."
Registered Nurse Lisa Steele assisted with the blood donations of the Sri Lankan community members and said their contribution was invaluable.
"Blood donations are in much higher demand in winter because donors need to be well as it is a fresh product, so numbers tend to drop off with cold viruses going around," she said.
"People rely on these donors to save lives."
Mr Hathurusinge hoped their efforts would prompt others to do the same.
"Starting with just a small number of people like our group can hopefully promote bigger movements for others to join too," he said.
"We've actually opened this event to other multicultural groups living in Wagga as well.
"It is great Karma, everyone who is able to should follow and donate their blood."
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