Learners help SANBS collect more units of blood

PEPPS Preparatory School and College is one of the few schools in the city that manages to host five blood drives a year.
This was revealed by the school’s clinic controller, Pam Smith during the second blood drive hosted by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Polokwane at the school on Friday. She indicated that blood donation was among the most important events at the school and that they always made a point of thoroughly marketing the day to attract a lot of people.
“This is a valuable exercise for us and it teaches our learners the importance of sharing. Learners who donated blood were mostly Grade 11s because the matrics were preparing for their matric farewell that happened yesterday (Wednesday). Our Grade 10s are not yet 16 years of age hence are not allowed to donate,” Smith explained.
First timer, Kelsey Peceur said she was scared but convinced herself that she has to do it to help people who need blood. The drive was also open for the public and one of the parents, Edwina Fabombite emphasised that she donates as often as possible and wished that other parents could do the same. Donors were recruited by the school’s SANBS Peer Promoters who walked around the school encouraging their schoolmates to consider donating blood.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za