Central Coast Mariners striker Matt Simon had to dip into the swear jar today, but only to swear never to commit, never to excuse, and never to remain silent about violence against women.
Central Coast Mariners striker Matt Simon had to dip into the swear jar today, but only to swear never to commit, never to excuse, and never to remain silent about violence against women.
Simon was joined by Police Officers from the Brisbane Water Local Area Command, and representatives from the Domestic Violence Intervention Response Unit in donning White Ribbons, to help promote putting an end to violence against women.
“From a young age you are taught never to hit a girl, and it is disgusting to think how widespread the problem is. Guys who hit women aren-t real men, and thinking about the damage Domestic Violence can cause to families is horrible,” said Simon.
One in three Australian women will be a victim of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, this could be your mother, sister, daughter or friend, but White Ribbon is working to engage men to create a positive change.
The White Ribbon Campaign is unique because it is aimed at prevention, and focuses on encouraging men to take the lead in their immediate communities and networks. White Ribbon encourages all members of the community, and particularly men, to speak out about violence, challenge the attitudes that allow violence in our society, and get involved in the campaign.
Ribbons and wristbands will be available at Bluetongue Stadium this Saturday night, as the Central Coast Mariners join forces with the Brisbane Water Local Area Command to help raise awareness of the issue.
More information about White Ribbon Day is available at whiteribbonday.org.au
While Simon was giving his time for such an important cause, Mariners skipper Alex Wilkinson and teammates John Hutchinson and Andrew Clark were giving even more, as the trio got behind the year of the Blood Donor, as December ambassadors for the Central Coast region.
“Giving blood is an easy way to help other people. The Central Coast Mariners encourage all Australians to give blood this Christmas and help save lives,” said Wilkinson.
The demand for blood donations and especially the blood component, platelets, peaks at holiday times such as Christmas when the incidence of road accidents and trauma increases and blood donations fall as people take a break away from home.
“Just like the Mariners, we encourage all eligible Central Coast residents to make a generous blood donation during the holiday season.
“This will help the Blood Service to ensure that patients across the Central Coast during December and January have the lifesaving blood and blood products that they rely on for survival or quality of life,” said Central Coast Donor Centre Manager Lyn Scriven.
“The Central Coast needs 500 blood donations every week to ensure there is enough for those who need it.”
One in three people will need blood at some stage during their lifetime but only one in thirty people currently give blood.
Please call 13 14 95 to make an appointment or visit donateblood.com.au
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, 12 December. Kick-off is at 7:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Four Match Christmas Packs are available online by clicking here
