Here in New Zealand, he does not get that, but knowing he is making a difference to people’s lives is just as good.
To this day he continues to give plasma every two weeks at the Dunedin Donor Centre.
His daughter, Ella, also gives plasma every second week — together they have given to the New Zealand Blood Service 96 times.
They are calling on people to book an appointment to give, as the centre has 1000 appointments to fill before Christmas arrives to meet demand.
"It’s such a simple thing to do to make a significant difference to people’s lives.
"It’s that wee feeling that you’re spending time and energy to give to a total stranger."
Mr Gomez is the director of sport at John McGlashan College and encouraged students to give blood at the centre once a term.
"They were a wee bit apprehensive for a start.
"But once they realise they’re with their mates and they understand that [they’re] helping a total stranger, it feels quite good."
Ella started donating blood when she was 16.
She was inspired to do so because of her father, who started donating over 25 years ago when he learned that his grandfather received about 100 pints of blood throughout his life.
"We paid that back and we just carried on doing it," Ms Gomez said.
She found finding the time to give blood easy.
"It feels quite cool.
"It’s such an easy thing to do for the community."
As a recently graduated radiographer, she understood how important blood donations were from her work in the medical field.
The Dunedin Donor Centre has 1000 appointments to fill before Christmas to meet the demand before the holiday season.
New Zealand Blood Service national marketing and communications manager Shane Paramore said summer was often proving to be the most challenging time to meet the demand for blood and blood products.
"The festive season is about giving and, for someone in hospital, a blood or plasma donation will be the best gift they ever receive," Mr Paramore said.
