Blood donors receive awards

The ceremony was held at the Benoni Country Club on September 6 and individuals were honoured with much deserved awards in nine different unit categories.

Policeman and former paramedic Colin Morris was the guest speaker and told of his life-changing experience from being a blood donor to consumer.

When he was involved in a motorcycle accident he sustained several injuries, including breaking 12 bones in 17 places resulting in him having to receive 12 units of blood during his healing period.

“For anyone who has never met someone who the blood goes to, it is important to know that I am truly grateful,” said Morris.

Some of the prestigious awards presented on the evening were to past president of the Benoni Rotary Club Sam Grolman, Pieter Rousseau, Daniel Venter, Abraham van Aarde and Johannes Harmse for donating 200 units of blood, Thomas Reilly and John de Villiers for donating 225 units of blood and Richard Hooper for an impressive 250 units donated.

The event was well attended, organised and beautifully decorated.

“I actually thought it was the Grammies,” complimented Vaal zone donor service manager Isaac Mafisa during his address.

He also revealed some statistics including those for the Benoni branch where donations have gone up from 7 464 in 2012 to 9 486 units donated in 2013.

Locals who would like to donate blood can do so at the Benoni branch of the South African National Blood Service, at 42 Fourteenth Avenue, Northmead.