Whakatāne High School prefect Trista Baker is behind a blood drive that encouraged more than 50 donors to roll up their sleeves in the school hall last week.

Thursday’s blood drive attacted more than 50 students and staff, with additional donors arriving on the day hoping to give blood.

Trista is no stranger to donating blood, regularly taking advantage of opportunities when the service visits the Whakatāne RSA.

“Before I realised the RSA hosted regular blood drives, I had trouble finding a place to donate, so I decided to launch an initiative here at school. I hoped setting up a donation site in the school hall would create more opportunities for people to donate,” she said.

Trista admits many young people do not often think about donating blood and she saw the event as a chance to plant the seed.

“It’s exciting to see so many people coming in. I had hoped for a minimum of 40 donors, but we have well over that so far,” she said.

For teacher Niall Pearce, the blood drive provided the opportunity to do something he had intended to do for some time.

“It used to be impossible for me to donate blood here in New Zealand. I’m from the United Kingdom and, up until a few years ago, we were unable to donate, so this was a great opportunity to hop back in the chair,” said Pearce.

Student Molly Ratt was happy to do her part.

“This is my first time donating blood. It’s all about giving back, so I hope to continue doing it,” she said.

Teacher aide Jo Oswald echoed Molly’s sentiments.

“I am a regular donor, but having the service here at the school makes it so much easier. I hope this event encourages others to donate,” said Oswald.

With the blood drive such a success, Trista is hoping future students will continue to support it long after she leaves for university.