Bleed for a purpose this Mandela Day
There is no better way to honour the life and spirit of a man who epitomised the precious value of life.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is appealing to all South Africans to honour the late Nelson Mandela’s legacy and give the gift of life – blood.
Nelson Mandela Day is a philanthropic occasion that challenges people the world over and reminds them that it is “time to serve” and not just on July 18.
Ms Kamantha Pillay, a public relations practitioner for the SANBS, said this would instil a culture of making a difference in blood donors, throughout the year, by donating blood regularly.
“The SANBS currently collects over one million units of blood annually at its 87 fixed donor centres and through daily blood drives managed by 100 mobile teams. However, there are instances when we fall short of the 3 000 units of blood required to meet daily demand and this greatly impacts on the lives of patients,” said Ms Pillay.
She said traditionally, blood reserves are low in July and since it is Nelson Mandela Day they would like to inspire the public to choose blood donations as their continued act of kindness.
“There is no better way to honour the life and spirit of a man who epitomised the precious value of life than to donate blood and save the lives of accident victims, mothers in labour, cancer patients and thousands of others,” said Ms Vanessa Raju, the national communications manager of the SANBS.
Each unit of blood is separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Depending on medical needs, these products are estimated to benefit three patients daily.
Ms Patience Thusi is a primary school teacher whose life was saved because of a blood transfusion.
Ms Thusi has aplastic anaemia and receives regular blood transfusions to replenish her bloodstream, which is compromised due to consistent heavy bleeding.
“I am always mindful of the gift of blood that circulates through my body; without the blood and platelets I would be dead by now,” said Ms Thusi.
This Mandela Month, the SANBS encourages South Africans to pump up their efforts and bleed for a purpose.
Those who are willing can donate blood at the Greenstone Shopping Centre, at Sketchers Court, on July 18 from 10am to 3pm.
