This summer NSW Police and Motorcyclists are joining forces with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) to support the NSW/ACT Summer Blood Challenge. The Summer Blood Challenge is an annual competition between Police and Motorcyclists to see who can donate the most blood from 1 December to 28 February. Since the inception of the Challenge over a decade ago NSW Police and Motorcyclists have worked together to help save approximately 75,000 lives with donated blood.

Today the Summer Blood Challenge was officially launched at Eastern Creek Raceway, with high profile guests such as Jane Allsop and Ronald McDonald House General Manager, Adrienne Pearson.

Jane Allsop, Silver Logie Winner for Best New Talent 2000, said “my Mum was a blood donor for over 10 years and helped to save the lives of over 120 people. This summer it is the police and motorcyclists chance to work together to increase blood donations over this period and help those in need.”

A/Superintendent Garry Buckley, Commander Parramatta Local Area Command is also proud to be involved with the Summer Blood Challenge. “In my line of duty I have personally witnessed how important blood is for saving lives. This will be the 12th year that police have taken part in the Summer Blood Challenge and provides the perfect opportunity for police to get involved in this fantastic community service“ he said.

The Summer Blood Challenge is not just an opportunity to raise extra blood donations over summer, but also a tool with which to educate the community about the importance of donating blood on a regular basis. As ARCBS spokesperson, Cherry Hetherington indicated, “an estimated 80% of Australians benefit from blood or blood products at some stage during their lives, however, only 3% of Australians are regular blood donors. The Summer Blood Challenge is a great way in which the ARCBS can educate the community about the importance of donating blood on a regular basis.”

The NSW Summer Blood Challenge will be held from 1 December 2004 to 28 February 2005. Support your team by completing a registration form when you next donate blood.

For information about donating blood, locations or to make an appointment phone 13 14 95