SANBS and Global Citizen partner to end critical blood shortages
By donating blood during this time, SANBS blood donors stand to earn two tickets each, including flights (for donors outside of Gauteng), accommodation with dinner and breakfast and transfers to and from the Festival
HIGHVELD – The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and Global Citizen announced a partnership to highlight the importance of donating blood #ForLife.
Global Citizen will partner with SANBS to motivate young South Africans to donate blood in order to earn tickets to the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, a free-ticketed event on Sunday, 2 December at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Most South Africans will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. Alarmingly, less than one per cent of South Africans regularly donate blood. One person donating blood can save a minimum of three lives.
Adding to this, a whole generation is being lost to the donor community due to age and accompanying health challenges. With an older generation unable to donate, millennials and younger adults are increasingly crucial to South Africa’s future blood sustainability.
“Despite SA’s youth forming almost 50 per cent of the population, we are critically low on donors.
“To increase donations, we have partnered with Global Citizen to engage the youth to donate between now and 22 November to earn tickets to the Global Citizen Festival Mandela 100.
“It is our sincere hope that they will continue to donate once the Mandela 100 campaign is over and truly prove themselves as the generation that saves lives,” said Ms Silungile Mlambo, spokesperson for The South African National Blood Service.
Mr Thato Noinyane, Global Citizen Partnerships Manager said health is a basic need and those living in extreme poverty rely on government resources to help them when necessities like blood transfusions are needed.
“Reserves in South Africa are at critically low levels, those who are not able to go to private hospitals suffer the most. We are thrilled to support this initiative and encourage Global Citizens to make regular blood donations their responsibility. It just takes 20 minutes, and with blood drives all over the country, it is never been easier.
What’s more, one unit of blood can potentially save three lives.
To earn tickets to the Global Citizen Festival:
Mandela 100 on 2 December, donors can take action and give critically needed blood.
Participants can visit any SANBS donor centre or mobile drive in South Africa until 22 November.
By donating blood during this time, SANBS blood donors stand to earn two tickets each, including flights (for donors outside of Gauteng), accommodation with dinner and breakfast and transfers to and from the Festival.
For full details on how and where to donate to earn your tickets, visit the website here.
Winners will be contacted via telephone on 26 November.
