New Sunrise will fund the placement of 400 automated external defibrillators (AED’s) across its independent network of Sunrise and Enjoy Local branded stores.
This was announced last month by New Sunrise Managing Director Steve Cardinale at the company’s iceworks conference.
“We are about to embark on what will be a life changing experience” he says.
“Independent stores are the heart of their local community, and we are proud to now represent the heart of the nation”.
The announcement followed a presentation by Greg Page, the ‘original yellow Wiggle’, who was invited to address the delegates. Mr Page, a recent survivor of a sudden cardiac arrest, has introduced the Heart of the Nation initiative, which raises community awareness of cardiac arrests and the location of AEDs across the country.
Having an AED available in highly accessible locations, says New Sunrise, will help increase the chance of survival for a person suffering a cardiac arrest from 10% up to 70%. The company believes that its contribution of AEDs to its member store network will assist their local community by providing millions of Australians with access to a “lifesaving” AED.
“This is a first for the industry, and I am proud to ensure this initiative will see these life-saving machines available in more locations to reach more Australians around the country,” says Mr Cardinale.
“Enjoy Local stores play such an important role in their local community; especially seen in times of need or in times of crisis, they are often the first to open and last to close. Our association with Heart of the Nation further reinforces our commitment to playing that vital role in the community and supporting our customers every step of the way.”
