Hino Australia has announced its role as the foundation sponsor of a major fundraising initiative for St Vincent’s Hospital aimed at increasing community awareness of its internationally renowned heart and lung program.
Hino Australia has donated a 700 Series SS prime mover to transport a 33-seat ‘Big Red Bike’ – said to be the southern hemisphere’s largest – as it visits towns throughout NSW to raise funds for St Vincent’s hospital and encourage community health awareness and involvement in the project.
Steve Lotter, Hino Australia president and chief operating officer, said Hino was delighted to be able to assist the worthwhile cause in such a practical way.
“St Vincent’s Hospital’s Heart and Lung program plays a critical role in saving and improving people’s lives,” he said. “As a foundation sponsor of the initiative we’re proud to provide the means of transporting the bike around NSW to raise awareness of the work done by the heart lung team.
“On a global basis Hino has a strong sense of corporate responsibility, and our partnership with St Vincent’s underlines our willingness to be involved in such a worthwhile community-based project.”
Professor Michael Feneley, director of cardiology and of the heart lung program at St Vincent’s Hospital, accepted the keys to the truck on behalf of the institution.
“This is a terrific initiative on the part of Hino,” he said. “St Vincent’s has long been an international leader in our heart lung endeavours and it is wonderful to have the support of Hino and other leaders in the transport industry for such an important health initiative.”
St Vincent’s Hospital will officially launch the Big Red Bike project in October.
Hino Australia timed the launch of its involvement to coincide with the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA’s) Truck Week.
Senior executives from other sponsors, including BP and Border Express, were also in attendance.
The Big Red Bike will begin its official tour of NSW in 2013.