Remember to give the gift of life on World Blood Donor Day

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) will be celebrating World Blood Donor Day tomorrow, June 14.

“South Africa is well acquainted with heroes. Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Nkosi Johnson, Natalie du Toit – they are widely feted and acknowledged,” said Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager for the SANBS.

“However, there are scores of other unacknowledged heroes in South Africa. These are the thousands of ordinary men and women who regularly donate blood, selflessly and without expectation of a reward or recognition.

“Blood Donor Month, and World Blood Donor Day, which is celebrated globally on June 14, is for them. It gives us the opportunity to acknowledge their gift and to say thank you.

“Thank you for saving the life of that mother, thank you for saving the life of that car accident victim, thank you for saving the life of that premature baby. Thank you for giving them a lifetime of memories. Your selflessness is not unrecognised, nor will it ever be forgotten.

“With the school holidays just around the corner, this will inevitably cause a spike in the demand for blood transfusions,” said Mlambo.

For those in Boksburg, you can donate blood at the East Rand Square Donor Centre (183 Bentel Avenue, Jansen Park) from 9am to 5pm.

Minimum requirements to be a blood donor:

• Be between the age of 16 – 65 years
• Weigh more than 50kg
• Be in good health
• Live a sexually safe lifestyle.

Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31 for more information or to find out where to volunteer as a blood donor.

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