The Appin residents are the highest donating couple at the centre, having collectively made more than 540 blood donations which have helped 1500 sick or injured people.

They share a passion for helping others, although 64-year-old Mr Lemon admits to an ulterior motive when he started donating at the age of 18.

"Back in 1969 I was living in a flat with three other guys around 300 yards from Wollongong hospital where the blood bank was located at the time," he said.

"There was never any food at home so I started to donate blood so I could grab a cup of tea and raid the cookie jar at the donor centre.

"Over the years my motivation has changed of course - and now I just love the fact that I'm doing something good for someone."

Mr Lemon encouraged his wife to become a donor and while the couple moved to Appin some years ago they still make the trip to the donor centre, now at 45-53 Kembla Street.

"It's so important for people to give blood - something that really hit home for us when we lost a close family member to cancer," Mrs Lemon said.

"Now we only miss our fortnightly visit when we are unwell, and unfortunately your health suffers as you get older. I only wish more younger people would donate."

Red Cross Blood Service spokeswoman Jemma Falkenmire said the couple was well known at the Wollongong centre.

"The Lemons are known for their big hearts, and are always happy to make whatever type of blood donation is needed, and when it's needed," she said.

"A single donation has a ripple effect, from the person who gives the blood, to the recipient and then to their entire network of family and friends.

"To the 1500 cancer patients, pregnant mums and trauma victims whose lives the Lemons have helped save, they are quite possibly the Illawarra's most generous couple."

Ms Falkenmire said she hoped the Lemons' generosity would inspire others to begin a habit of regular blood donation.

She urged South Coast residents to try and factor a blood donation into their plans this week, with 100 bags of blood needed to keep the fridge's stocked for the long weekend.

Important days at the Wollongong Donor Centre are this Friday and Saturday and next Monday.