With demand for blood products reaching record highs and a high number of scheduled donors cancelling appointments recently, Charles Sturt University, Newcrest Mining's Cadia Valley Operations and Orange Emus Rugby Club have sent out a call to arms.

The three organisations are the city's most-prolific donor groups and are topping the leaderboard in the Orange Donor Centre's Lifeblood Teams Challenge for 2021, through donations made in their own respective drives.

Charles Sturt leads the way with 120 donations so far this year while Newcrest Mining and Emus are in a share for second with 108 donations apiece - a whopping 336 donations combined.

The groups' donations equate to just over 1,000 lives saved, with one donation of whole blood or blood products like plasma capable of saving the lives of three people in need.

"The number of donations by ... staff in Orange is a wonderful reflection of the positive impact the university has in this community," Julia Andrews, Charles Sturt's Director of External Engagement for Orange and Bathurst, said.

"The generosity of people at the university, Newcrest, Emus and from other businesses and community groups will save thousands of lives.

"I'd encourage all staff and everyone else in the community to make donating blood a priority during the remaining month of this competition, and a regular part of their routine."

Emus' club captain Jamil Khalfan doubled down on Ms Andrews sentiment, continuing to heap praise on the wider community as well - it's not about winning, he said, it's about helping people in need.

"Friendly competition obviously adds to everything, but I think we'd all agree the biggest focus is making a difference in the community where we can, and this is a really easy way to help people," Mr Khalfan said.

"It's been such a massive effort from the entire community already, to think just between CSU, Newcrest and Emus we've helped save 1,008 lives is pretty incredible.

"We're really proud of that, but when you consider all the other businesses and groups involved as well everyone in the community who's contributed should be really proud too.

"Obviously, we want everyone to keep getting involved and we'd love to see more people donating, not just to this cause but in general."

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood spokesperson John Feist heaped praise on all the organisations and people who have contributed so far, also explaining those who can donate plasma are in particular demand right now.

"These donations are a lifeline for cancer patients, new mums, accident victims, and many other seriously ill Australians," he said.

"The need for blood hasn't stopped despite [the impact of COVID-19 easing], in fact our need for blood plasma donations are now at a record high."

Any businesses or community groups interested in finding out more about the Lifeblood Teams program can contact Mr Feist via the Orange Donor Centre at 84 Kite Street.

Individuals wishing to donate can contact the centre as well or head to Lifeblood's website too book an appointment.

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