Blood drive brings little relief to ongoing shortage
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has less that two days of blood supply in stock.
OVER 50 donations were made at the Our Lady of Fatima Interact Club Blood Drive at Kensington Square on Saturday. However, blood stocks remain alarmingly low.
Sr Joy Pires of the Durban North Blood Donor Clinic, said the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has less than two days of blood supply in stock.
“With most of the universities being shut down, the recent exams and school holidays were are experiencing a huge shortage,” she said.
She urged the public to pop into their nearest blood clinic and to sacrifice a few minutes of their day to donate lifesaving blood.
About 15 of the Interact Club pupils also donated on the day. What’s more, the brave young women also registered with the Organ Donor Foundation as potential donors.
“We encourage everyone to also make the pledge as a donor. They can essentially save seven people’s lives,” said vice president of the club, Kelly Conradt.
Eudine Duval, the head of the blood drive, was ecstatic about the outcome saying their target for the day had been 50 donations. Only 10 people were deferred on the day.
“It is an important cause, as it is all about saving lives,” she said. “We know there is a shortage, so we urge everyone to do their bit. It is something that most people can do, as it does not cost any money or require specific skills to become involved,” she said.
Contact the Durban North Blood Donor Clinic on 031 564 6070.
Related articles:
Three times the charm for local donors
