Blood donors receive accolades for hard work done

The SANBS Limpopo honoured the best performing blood drives across the province with a sumptuous lunch at Fusion Boutique Hotel in Polokwane on Friday.
Blood bank manager Gordon Pinn thanked everyone for their support. However, he mentioned that while donors in Limpopo donated some 32 000 units this year, it still was not enough as 42 000 units were needed. “We are then forced to look to other provinces to assist us,” he explained.
He further called on everyone present to encourage people they know who are not yet donors to start donating blood.
Pinn’s address was followed by the testimony of Fortune Monama, a teenager who while he had leukemia, had to receive several blood transfusions. “If it were not for people like yourselves, who donated blood, I would not have survived. Your donated blood truly saved my life,” he said.
Donor educator, Bongiwe Shitlhangu echoed Pinn’s words and praised the schools that allow blood donor clinics regularly.
The best performing school was Curro Northern Academy who managed to collect 116% of their target. Also in the top 10 were Westenburg Secondary School, Capricorn High School (CHS), Hoërskool Pietersburg (PHS) and Taxila Secondary school. In the top 10 blood drives, Zebediela Plaza was proclaimed the winner as they reached 142% of their target. Bendor Shopping Centre, Savannah Mall, Seshego Circle and Polokwane FET College were also among the top 10 Polokwane-based venues. The announcements were followed by a delicious three-course meal by way of thanking everyone.

Story and photos: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za