Congratulations to the winners of the “Bloodislow Cup”

Staff at Coomera-based luxury boat builder Riviera struck a rich vein of form to retain the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s ‘Bloodislow Cup’ – the Bledisloe for blood donors.

The philanthropic initiative pits major Gold Coast employers in competition to find which workplace boasts the most generous blood donors in the city.

Riviera recently took out the competition for the second year in a row, with staff making 434 donations over 12 months, adding up to 217 litres to the much needed blood bank supplies.

With three people benefiting from each donation, the Riviera team has potentially saved the lives of 1,302 people.  

The Riviera team beat other employers including Gold Coast City Council, Main Roads, Bartercard, Roamfree, Centrelink, Bunnings and Billabong in the challenge.

Riviera and other Gold Coast employers give staff time off work to donate blood.

Riviera CEO John Anderson said the ‘Bloodislow Cup’ represented a proud social achievement for the company and it took pride of place in Riviera’s trophy room stacked with industry accolades achieved over the years.

“To the whole Riviera team very well done, this is an extremely important cause,’’ said Mr Anderson.

Riviera Trade Training Manager Tony Schmid organises the blood donation program on behalf of the company.

“To be the largest contributor for the second year in a row is something we’re very proud of,” said Tony.

“The honours should be shared by our workers, because they are the ones who have driven this through their good will and generosity.’’

Zoe Bargh, ARCBS marketing liaison officer, congratulated Riviera on its support of the program.

“Winning two years in a row is a credit to Riviera and the importance the company places on the Bloodislow’s cause,’’ said Ms Bargh.

“Only one in 30 people donates blood on a regular basis in Australia. Correspondingly, one in three people will require a transfusion in their lifetime.’’
Mr Anderson said the demand in the community for blood was ‘staggering’.
“I’d encourage many more employers to get involved in what is proving to be a vital cause,’’ he said.