THOMAS GEORGE MP SHOWS SUPPORT FOR ‘PRICK A POLLIE’ CAMPAIGN

Click here to see the picture of: Left to Right: John Williams MP, Thomas George MP, Australian Navy Diver Paul de Gelder and Kevin Humphries MP

THOMAS GEORGE MP SHOWS SUPPORT FOR ‘PRICK A POLLIE’ CAMPAIGN

08 September 2009

Member for Lismore, Thomas George MP joined Shadow Minister for Healthy Lifestyles, Kevin Humphries MP today in encouraging people to give blood for a good cause.

Mr Humphries today officially launched the ‘Prick a Pollie’ campaign at NSW Parliament House, in line with ‘Year of the Blood Donor’ and ‘National Blood Donor Week’.

The campaign was attended by politicians and parliamentary staff from all sides of politics as well as blood donor recipient, Australian Navy Diver and shark bite survivor Paul de Gelder as special guest.

Mr George said he was pleased to support such a worthy campaign that goes along way towards saving the lives of countless Australians.

“I am a huge supporter of the Red Cross Blood Service and Paul de Gelder is a living example of the great work the Red Cross do,” Mr George said.

“Despite Paul’s injuries, he has shown that with determination, tenacity and a will to recover, anything is possible.

“He is a truly great Australian and inspiration to us all.

Garry Wolfe, Red Cross Operations Manager for NSW/ACT said only one in 30 Australians donate blood, yet one in three Australians will need blood or a blood product at some point in their life.

“And with over 26,000 life-saving blood donations needed each week across Australia for the treatment of cancer, heart, stomach and bowel disease, accident or trauma or to address complications in pregnancy and childbirth – we need as many people, politicians and the general public alike rolling up their sleeves as possible,” Mr Wolfe said.

To find out how to become a regular blood donor, contact the Red Cross on 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.