SANBS appeals for more blood donations
The SANBS media breakfast highlighted the importance and need for blood donations, especially from the youth.
TWO inspiring people, Andile Hlope and Kirsten Beaumont, were the guest speakers, at the South African National Blood Services media breakfast. The breakfast was recently held at the Delano Room at Suncoast Casino, to thank media partners for their support throughout the year.
Phelelani Mkhize, zone donor manager KZN, said, “It’s been a challenging year for us, but we managed to supply blood products to patients in need at various hospitals nationwide, through the media’s service. Our appeals throughout the year, are always answered.”
Charles Maharaj, head of marketing KZN said SANBS has identified that there are not many blood donations from younger people today. He said having Cristiano Ronaldo as a worldwide ambassador for the BeThe1Donor campaign, who has been donating blood for the last seven years, is encouraging for the youth. Be the 1 campaign started on 17 November and will conclude at the end of January.
“Forty per cent of the blood at SANBS is from the youth and 60 per cent is from youth in KZN. When students go on leave for their exams or holidays, we struggle for blood donations. We hope to encourage those existing blood donors to continue with their donations and new donors to join in the campaign and give the most precious gift of life [blood] during the festive season,” said Maharaj.
Contact the SANBS on 0800 11 90 31 Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm, or visit www.sanbs.org.za to find the nearest blood clinic.
