Riders saddle up to give blood

Bendigo Weekly | Bendigo Weekly | 18-Oct-2012

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CLUB RED: Garry Long and Shae Smith with Annette
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A group of Bendigo cyclists called the TT Riders are leading the pack in their efforts to donate blood.
The TT Riders have set up a network that meets for a ride on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and collectively donates blood to support those who are in need of donations.
Shae Smith of the community relations department at Bendigo Red Cross said the discrepancy between those who need blood and those who give is extremely large.
“One in three people need blood products at some time in their life, yet there is only one in every 30 people who are giving blood,” she said.
Garry Long of the TT Riders said the idea came about due to a few members of the group already donating blood.
“A couple of riders were already donating blood, and we thought it was a good idea to follow suit and encourage more people to donate,” he said.
“We joined the Club Red program, and we can track our donations and things like that which is really handy.
“As a group, we try to provide an opportunity for local cyclists to reap the fitness benefits of cycling, in a social environment.”
Long said donating as a group is a great motivational tool, and is much the same for getting fit.
“We can donate as a group and then ride and share our experiences together as a group, it’s a great motivational tool,” he said.
“No matter whether you’re a cyclist or just someone who wants to help out, donating blood is a great way to do it.”

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