Motorcyclists & Police across NSW have joined together in friendly rivalry to contest the 16th annual Summer Blood Challenge.
Held at the new Elizabeth St Donor Centre in Sydney the event was supported by special guests the NSW Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Scipione, Motorcycle Council of NSW delegate, Mr Warren Buffet and three time Australian Superbike Champion, Shawn Giles who all rolled up their sleeves and donated blood.
The Summer Blood Challenge is a friendly competition between NSW Police Force and Motorcyclists across NSW and the ACT. Their friends, families and neighbours are all invited to come and donate blood and support their team during the summer months.
With the Motorcyclists currently in front with 8 wins compared to the previous 7 wins by the NSW Police Force, Commissioner Scipione, is confident of a NSW Police Force victory this year.
“The NSW Police Force is more committed than ever before to this life-saving cause and the Motorcyclists should be prepared for the biggest challenge to date.
“I encourage all policemen and women to come forward in support this summer and to get their friends and family to donate for the Challenge,” Commissioner Scipione said.
A big thankyou must go out to the Police men and women from the Southern Highland District, who contributed over 20 donations last week to this their side’s total. More than half of the Southern Highlands Police Force turned out to give blood, from general duties officers, detectives, high way patrol officers and even the police prosecutor.
Motorcyclists would like to make it four wins in a row but as of February 4 are in trouble. Previous tally updates have seen the motorcyclists in pole position to take their fifth in a row but the latest figures indicate the police have taken the lead with 1549 donations to motorcyclists 1480. With four weeks left in the campaign and 3029 donations made between the two parties the record of 3500 donations is within reach. As each blood donation can help save 3 lives, this means that the Challenge so far has potentially helped around 9,087 lives. This means we have only 913 lives to save, until we reach the 100,000th life saved by the Challenge.
“I encourage all motorcyclists to get behind the Challenge this summer – we have a title to defend, a chance to make it four wins in a row for our side and lives to save,” Mr. Giles said.
During his blood donation Motorcycle Council of NSW delegate, Mr Warren Buffet commented “Giving blood is such an easy way to make a direct difference to the community. The fact that one in three people will need blood at some stage in their lives means that most of us have needed blood or know someone that has.”
Speaking from the launch Australian Red Cross Blood Services NSW/ACT Operations Unit Manager, Garry Wolfe, said “Thanks to the Police and Motorcyclists we are aiming to help save the 100,000th Australian’s life as part of the challenge.
About the Australian Red Cross Blood Service
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is a national not-for-profit organisation, supported by the governments of Australia, responsible for providing the Australian community with safe, high quality blood and blood products.
This is possible through the support of more than half a million voluntary blood donors.
To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au
“Summer can be a challenging time for Australia’s blood supply with many people taking a well-earned break from their usual routines. To ensure Australians in hospital over the summer holiday season have the blood and blood products they require for their survival and quality of life I ask that if you have never donated before or haven’t recently now is the time to make an appointment ,” Mr Wolfe said.
“We encourage the support of everyone in the community to come forward and give blood and nominate their side for their chance to win a ride on a Harley Davidson.
All you have to do is present to donate blood at a donor centre in NSW or the ACT and complete the entry form and you can go in the draw to win one of three Harley Davidson rides,“ he concluded.
We are pleased to announce The Reece Bancell Memorial Foundation has kindly donated a three day double pass, to the 2008 Phillip Island World Superbike Championship. By presenting to donate and filling out a registration form, you can not only go into the draw to win this wonderful prize, but you will also have the chance to win one of three Harley Davidson rides courtesy of Bikescape Tours and Rentals.
The festive season is always a unique time for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service because there are so many public holidays. The need for blood never takes a holiday, and with fewer days to collect blood it is really important for people to take the time to donate over this time.
For this reason it’s really important to rally your friends and family together and not only donate as part of the Summer Blood Challenge but also help to save a life of someone in need this festive season.
There are just over four weeks left of the Challenge, so get behind your side, and take out the 2007/08 Summer Blood Challenge.
Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au to make an appointment to donate blood today.
