Riviera wins Bloodislow Cup to help save lives

by Denby Browning on 20 Apr 2007 Australia’s most awarded luxury boat builder, Riviera, has won yet another trophy. The company has swept away fierce competition to take out the 2006 Bloodislow Cup.

Spokesperson for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service Brooke Charlton explained: 'The Bloodislow Cup is a challenge amongst Gold Coast (Queensland)businesses to see which organisation can make the most blood donations throughout the year.

'In 2006, there was very close competition but Riviera took out the title, with over 159 staff members making 248 donations throughout the year,' Ms Charlton said.

The prestigious trophy was awarded during a ceremony at Riviera today. Ms Charlton says the organisation has been a staunch supporter of the Blood Service over the past few years.

'The team at Riviera is very enthusiastic about donating blood. Training Coordinator Tony Schmid, who organises the blood donations, is very passionate about the Blood Service,' Ms Charlton said.

'Riviera generously allows their staff an hour off to donate blood at our mobile van. A single donation helps save three lives, so the small amount of time required to give blood really makes a significant difference. Over the past year, Riviera’s staff has helped save more than 740 lives.'

Riviera’s Tony Schmid pledged that Riviera will increase its dedication to the Blood Service, committing to donate four times during the year.

Riviera CEO, Wes Moxey, said he recognises the importance of donating blood and is proud that his organisation has helped save so many lives.

Ms Charlton said that a number of organisations on the Coast are actively involved in the Bloodislow Cup Corporate Challenge, including Billabong, MFS, Centrelink, Bartercard, NAB and Main Roads. The Blood Service on the Gold Coast is calling for more organisations to become involved.

According to Ms Charlton, only one in 30 people donate blood, but one in three will require blood or blood products at some stage in their lives.

This includes people with cancer, heart disease, new born babies, women with pregnancy complications, people with haemophilia as well as accident victims.

'We are always on the look out for more organisations that are up to the challenge to save lives,' Ms Charlton said.

'Without having to commit any money, organisations can be responsible for saving hundreds and potentially thousands, of Australians. When a single donation helps save up to three lives, imagine what a difference an organisation could make'.

To find out more about the Bloodislow Cup and the Blood Service’s Corporate program, Club Red, phone the Gold Coast Blood Service on (07) 5519 8472.