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Sponsorship to help boost blood donors and save lives
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service has struck a three-year strategic sponsorship with the National Australia Bank to boost the number of blood donations and donors, fund vital research projects and raise community awareness of blood donation issues.
The sponsorship, which will see the National provide close to $2 million to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service over three years, was announced today at Darling Harbour in Sydney at the launch of National Blood Donor Week.
Close to $1m of the sponsorship will be used to continue and establish vital research projects for the Blood Service. The remaining funds will support promotions during National Blood Donor Week and the purchase of mobile community education vans as part of a broad community awareness program.
The sponsorship is designed to assist the Blood Service in achieving its goal of providing quality blood products, tissues and related services for the benefit of the Australian community.
"The Blood Service is delighted to have the support of the National Australia Bank," said Dr Robert Hetzel, CEO of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
"This sponsorship, with one of Australia's most successful global corporations, has the potential to be a model for business and community partnerships in Australia."
Speaking at the launch of National Blood Donor Week, Mr Mike Pratt, the National's CEO, Australian Financial Services, said: "The National is proud to be associated with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and to assist its endeavours to improve the recruitment and retention of blood donors throughout Australia.
"The strong community links that are critical to the operations of the Blood Service are consistent with the underlying philosophy of our key community program, National CommunityLink, which supports volunteer-based organisations.
"Voluntary blood donors are the linchpin to the operations of the Blood Service and to sustaining a safe and adequate blood supply for the Australian community," added Mr Pratt.
The National's sponsorship will assist the Blood Service in finding solutions to a number of its key needs and challenges, including:
- increasing the number and frequency of repeat blood donors
- finding new donors
- sourcing new volunteers nationally
- funding key research
- raising its presence as a worthwhile cause for the community
- enhancing professional expertise in several key areas
A partnership to help save lives
With a significant financial contribution, the National's support provides additional resources to assist the Blood Service in meeting its strategic objectives through the following initiatives:
National Blood Donor Week - The week recognises the contribution of 3 per cent of the Australian population who donate regularly. The National, as major sponsor of this week, is assisting the Blood Service in creating a higher profile for this initiative, raising the public's awareness about blood donation and encouraging those who are eligible to donate regularly.
Research and development - Innovation in product use and development, as well as understanding the donor base, is critical to the future success of the Blood Service. The National is providing funding for the continuation of critical research projects and seed funding for new research projects. Research results will enable the Blood Service to use and develop the precious resource of blood more effectively for those in need.
Community education - Education has been identified as a key strategic objective for the long-term viability of the Blood Service in an increasingly competitive charitable environment. The National, as sole sponsor of this initiative, is providing funding for the purchase and fit out of mobile community education vehicles, which will participate in community events to educate the Australian public about the importance of blood donation.
In addition to the above initiatives, the National will use its extensive branch network, web site and 24,000 Australian staff to promote the activities of the Blood Service.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) is an operating division of the Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) and, as such, a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Jointly funded by the ARCS, Commonwealth and State governments, ARCBS is the national, non-for-profit organisation responsible for the provision of quality blood products, tissues and related services for the benefit of the Australian community. The ability to provide this service, an integral part of the health system, is made possible by the generosity and good will of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors, the dedication and skill of 2000 staff and the support of 2000 loyal volunteers. ARCBS is totally committed to safety of its staff, donors and products, and to strategic research for the ultimate benefit of the community. Further information can be obtained by calling 13 14 95 or by visiting www.arcbs.redcross.org.au
About the National
The National Australia Bank is an international financial services group providing a comprehensive and integrated range of financial products and services across four continents and 15 countries. Globally, as at 30 September 2000, the National has:
- Total assets of A$344 billion
- Over A$60 billion in assets under management and administration
- A$285 billion in assets under custody and administration
- A mortgage servicing portfolio in excess of A$350 billion
- More than 12 million customers
The National recognises its responsibility to contribute to the communities in which it operates. It does this in a variety of ways. In Australia, the National has formed partnerships with major community service and volunteer-based organisations as a key component of the National CommunityLink program. These partnerships represent a fundamentally different approach to traditional corporate sponsorship or philanthropy.
The National's approach is to work with a community organisation to identify an issue, which impacts all Australians, and then to provide funding and other support to generate a long-term beneficial outcome in relation to that issue. For further information about the National and its CommunityLink program, visit www.nab.com.au.
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