Members of AAB-Tasmania serenade blood donor veteran Tony Star of Hobart, during his 100th donation at the Red Cross Donation Centre in Hobart. Photo by Capt Phil Pyke, 1JPAU(P)

Giving blood and boogie together

By Capt Phil Pyke
A BLOOD donation centre is certainly an unusual place to kick off a state tour, however, AAB-Tasmania knew it was all for a good cause.

AAB-T spokesman Capt Dean Griffiths said the Red Cross Blood Donation Centre in Hobart had been chosen to launch the recent state tour as a number of members were regular blood donors.

"It was also our way of responding to the call for more blood donors," he said. "At the same time we are promoting our state tour, while assisting this very worthy cause."

Seven AAB-Tasmania members donated blood during the half-hour concert.

Red Cross Blood Service Regional Manager James Kiss, said the links between Defence and the Red Cross have always been strong - particularly in times of war.

"Red Cross has provided supplies of blood for the troops in East Timor," Mr Kiss said.

"It has been great to have the Army Band in and donors have been sitting back, tapping their feet to the music that has been played. Obviously they can't get up and dance around."

"The Army have certainly answered the call for more donors."

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