Blood hounds value a good red

Dog day afternoon: WO2 Mark Café, B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt SSM; LCpl Adam David; and unit mascot Sprocket accept a donation from Greencross veterinarian Elenor. Photo by Cpl Rachel Ingram.

Volume 11, No. 41, April 20, 2006

SOLDIERS more than most know the value of donating blood, but the soldiers of one 3 Bde unit have found even more motivation to be generous in the giving of the red stuff.

For B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt, learning that Billy, the two-year-old son of a former member was ill with leukaemia was enough to spur the cavalrymen to action.

Over the past five months young Billy has required 70 blood transfusions. In response, SSM WO2 Mark Café organised for the mobile blood bank to visit the unit at Lavarack Barracks.

“The troops were extremely keen to help out,” he said.

“Our aim was also to raise awareness of this terrible disease and generate funds for the Leukaemia Foundation and, in doing so, indirectly help Billy.”

Local veterinarians Greencross, who sponsor the unit’s mascot, Sprocket, were among the first to open their wallets, presenting a cheque for $400.

WO2 Café said he was encouraged by the knowledge that more than 100 soldiers donated blood and more than $800 was raised.
“Each soldier will have about 500ml of blood taken, which means the Red Cross will end up with an extra 50l in the bank.

“I think this will go a long way in raising awareness and helping others in the future.”
Information on leukaemia and how you can help can be found at www.leukaemia.org.au