“COMMUNITY champion” Jon Kane has won Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Volunteer of the Year award after driving one of Australia’s biggest blood donation groups, in memory of a good mate and GPC apprentice, Brent Holland.
The Bleed4Brent program began in 2017 after 20-year-old GPC electrical apprentice Brent tragically died of leukaemia.
Since then, Jon has made 14 whole blood donations and encouraged 80 new donors to donate blood.
Each year, GPC recognises employees who have gone above and beyond for the community.
Jon Kane won the top going for his commitment to raising awareness about leukaemia and the importance of donating blood.
Acting CEO Craig Walker said the entire GPC family were proud of Jon’s achievements.
“Jon has been relentless in his campaigning efforts for the Bleed for Brent Group, The Leukaemia Foundation and the Gladstone Blood Bank to help save lives after Brent his life to the disease,” Mr Walker said.
Gladstone’s Donor centre manager Kerry Myers said the Bleed4Brent program was inspiring with 1180 donations made during one of the hardest years for Lifeblood.
“Jon and his wife and everyone in the Bleed4Brent team come in wearing flannelette shirts when they give blood in memory of their friend Brent Holland so our team has even decided to wear the shirts too,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful cause we’re proud to support because blood and plasma is one of the most powerful gifts you can give someone.”
Ms Myers said now was a great time to donate as stocks of platelets for cancer patients were
under pressure during the holiday season with less people giving blood over Christmas.
