Donar marks his 100th pint
“To give a pint of blood is better than having a pint of beer."
Bedfordview resident, Mr Mark Eifler (49), donated his 100th pint of blood at the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) in Bruma on Wednesday last week.
He said he was 29 years old when he started donating.
“It was at one of the satellite stations. They were asking for donations. I went in, they did all the tests and said I could donate. I skipped a year or two when I was overseas, but when I came back I continued. I have not stopped donating blood since then,” he said.
Mr Eifler said it is a wonderful feeling to donate blood.
“To give a pint of blood is better than having a pint of beer. When you donate blood, it will be used to help children and everybody who needs it. You will save lives. Believe me when I say it feels good after you donated blood,” he said.
He said his target is 400 to 500 pints when turns 70.
“I donate four to five times a year,” Mr Eifler said.
He said donating blood is not painful.
“When they put the needle in, it feels like a mosquito bite. If you are scared of the needles you can just look away for a second. Think of something that inspires you, then you will be fine,” said Mr Eifler.
Mr Eifler is a member of the Egoli Kensington Toastmasters, is the vice-president of the Education of Benoni Toastmasters and is also a member of Johannesburg Hiking Club, among other things he is involved in.
