Capricorn High School (Cappies) held their third blood drive for this year last Thursday, and contributed 71 units of blood to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
Dottie Pinn, Public Relations Officer at SANBS Limpopo explained that donating a unit of blood can save up to three lives because different products are derived from it. Being a regular blood donor ensures that blood safety is maintained and makes it possible for the service to collect sufficient safe blood to meet the continuous demand. “More importantly there is immense gratification in knowing that you help save lives,” Pinn said.
Cappies has 12 blood assistants or blood buddies that help recruit volunteers to donate blood. “They work very hard,” Irma van der Merwe, educator and blood drive organiser at the school told Polokwane Observer.
Story and photos: Alet-Elize van Jaarsveld
>>alet-elize@observer.co.za
Featured photo: Capricorn High School learner and first time blood donor, Sehlorana Kekana is encouraged by educator and blood drive organiser Irma van der Merwe.