But Andrew Pullin is already striving for his next milestone - 750.

Mr Pullin celebrated his 500th donation at the Australian Red Cross Albury Blood Donor Centre on Thursday but he wasn't taking all the credit.

"I come in and donate for everybody else," he said.

"It is a little thing I can do to help other people and I think that is pretty great.

"My goal was to get to 500 and although 1000 might be in reach I don't know if I will quite get there.

"So lets aim for 750 and see how we go."

Mr Pullin said every couple of weeks he has a regular appointment.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"I just have a regular appointment where I give plasma here in Albury and the ladies that work here are just so incredible," he said.

"I honestly think they are the real heroes.

"Without them we wouldn't be able to help save lives and keep our donation system in such good order.

"I have really made some friends coming here over the years and have seen different staff come and go.

"It is a nice hour out of my day where I get to come in and give for someone else in need."

With the silly season coming up the blood service are looking for donors to make appointments.

"I try and book my appointments over those public holidays or times where most people don't think to give blood," Mr Pullin said.

"Those times of year when most people are having time off and enjoying themselves, there are still people in hospital or in need of urgent blood.

"So those are the times when people really need to think about giving their time, knowing your blood is going to help someone is incredible."

The Albury centre needs more donors across the Melbourne Cup weekend from November 2 to 5 with nearly 40 appointments still needing to be filled.

Blood service spokesperson Cathy Chapman said while most people love to place a bet on the Melbourne Cup, the odds of someone needing blood were high.

"One in three Australians will need blood or a blood product in their lifetime, yet only one in 30 donates," she said.

"The Melbourne Cup is the race that stops the nation, but it shouldn't be the race that stops blood donation.

"We're asking people to consider hedging their bets this Melbourne Cup by donating blood, to ensure the supply of this life-saving gift."

Around 29,000 blood donations are needed in Australia every week.

To book a donation call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au