VOLUNTEERS probably don’t realise how valuable they are to their community.
And last weekend they seemed to be everywhere.
We had the Pakenham Show, the Cord Blood fundraising walk at Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick, the Tri Code racing at Cranbourne, thousands of people at Casey Fields, a highly successful school fete at St Margaret’s School and people out collecting for March Red Cross calling, just to name a few that I saw.
Consider what we have left if you take the volunteer equation out of community events.
However, I can’t stress enough the importance of the Cord Blood Appeal and I promote this work every chance I get.
Cord blood is farmed from umbilical cords and placenta after childbirth because it is rich with bloodforming cells that can be used instead of bone marrow transplants in children.
A cord blood transplant offers a greater chance of matching with less risk of infection.
Placenta and umbilical cords are normally discarded after childbirth, but the blood is saved for research and storage until needed.
This work has already saved the lives of many children.