WITH life-saving blood stocks across KwaZulu-Natal running low, Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School has stepped in to lend a helping hand.
Members of Fatima’s Interact committee will be hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, June 14 from 09:00 to 16:00 at the school’s church hall (157 Kenneth Kaunda Road).
The drive takes on added significance as it takes place on World Blood Donor Day.
The day is about raising awareness of the need for blood transfusions and highlighting the critical contribution of donating blood.
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Interact committee members and Grade 11 learners, Zara Atkinson, Giuliana Goosen, Amy Young and Deeanne Sardinha, spoke about their motivations for the upcoming drive at the school.
Head of Interact Zara Atkinson said she hopes the community comes out and supports the event on the day.
“Donating blood can mean the difference between life and death for someone. We want to use our platform to make a tangible difference for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). As a school, we support the service every year, and we really hope the community comes out in their numbers to donate blood,” Atkinson said.
For fellow learner Giuliana Goosen, the goal on the day is to collect 100 pints of blood.
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“This will be my first time giving blood, and I cannot wait to contribute to the drive. Zara has said that this is one way we can help save a life, which is the most important thing. Our collective goal is to collect 100 pints of blood, and we are confident we will be able to reach that goal,” she said.
Dennis Ngongoma, donor relations at the service, thanked the school for their efforts.
“We are very excited the school approached us, especially because our blood stocks are so low. We are urging residents who can’t come on the day to donate blood to visit our donor centre in Kensington Square. Every year, Our Lady of Fatima lends us their support, and it’s encouraging to hear young people speak about the difference they aim to make. The drive also happens to take place on World Blood Donor Day which gives us a chance to raise awareness on how donating blood can make a difference. The greatest need for blood is for patients who are terminally ill and rely on daily, if not weekly, transfusions for their survival. We need more donors from all blood groups and types,” he said.
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