22 November 2007

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority staff are calling on city workers and visitors to follow their lead and roll up their sleeves to help the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) tomorrow.

The ARCBS Donor Mobile is making a special stop outside the Reef HQ Aquarium complex in Flinders Street on Friday 23 November as part of their Mates Donate campaign.

Among those people joining the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority staff is Vice Captain of the Toyota North Queensland Cowboys Aaron Payne, who is a keen recreational fishermen and regular blood donor.

GBRMPA staff member and event organiser Sally Harman said this was a great opportunity for people to help boost much-needed blood stocks.

“We urge anyone who is in Flinders Street and the city to stop by the Reef HQ complex and roll up their sleeves for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service,” she said.

“Staff at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority have really got onboard with this idea and we hope to inspire others to follow our lead and help.

“We have already contacted our friends at Reef HQ, the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Cultural Centre, Sunferries, Townsville Enterprise and Flinders Mall supporters to get them onboard.”

ARCBS Liaison Officer Bruce Muller said the Mates Donate campaign was proving successful in boosting blood stocks and raising awareness.

“We’re delighted the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has got onboard with the Mates Donate campaign and encouraged organisations near them to be involved as well,” he said.

“It is a fantastic example of the power of this campaign – great things can happen when people get together and inspire others to give blood.

“Australia needs 190,000 blood donations to ensure that hospitals have enough blood and blood products to meet the needs of patients.”

Aaron Payne has been a regular blood donor since 2000, saying it was a great way to give back to the community.

“We all assume blood will always be there when we need it, but if we don't all step up to donate, that might not be the case in the future,” he said.

The Donor Mobile will be outside the Reef HQ complex, Flinders Street, on Friday 23 November from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Bookings can be made by contacting 0411 669 331.