Chief operations officer Ravi Reddy said the organisation needs to collect 3 000 units of blood daily.
He thanked members of the public for their commitment and dedication to donating blood.
“As regular donor you have identified the need for your contribution,” he said.
Some of the prestigious awards presented on the evening were to Dirk Mans, Stuart Bate, Colin Boucher and Josias Oberholster, for donating 200 units of blood.
Alan-Cyril Berry and Richard Kruger were rewarded for donating 225 units of blood and Theunis Verster for a admirable 250 units donated.
Awards were also presented for 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 175 units donated in a lifetime.
Guests also welcomed guest speaker Claire Robinson (17) to the podium.
Robinson told her story of being a survivor of acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML), thanks to the blood donated by her fellowmen.
She expressed her thanks and testimony that donating blood truly saves lives and said she believes recipients of blood owe their lives to blood donors.
She encouraged donors to continue saving lives through their donations.
“Blood that is used today, must be replaced today,” she said.
The event was well attended, organised and beautifully decorated.
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.
For a photo gallery of the event, visit www.benonicitytimes.co.za galleries.
