They say it’s important to always give 100% – unless you are donating blood. While compassionate donors weren’t necessarily able to give their all, they gave everything they could to save someone else’s life.
On Saturday, October 23 community members not only had the opportunity to donate blood, but also to spend the day with their loved ones. This was all thanks to the Beacon Road Donor Centre that hosted an all-inclusive Family Fun Day.
While parents were donating blood, children could explore all activities that were set up especially for them. There were fresh popcorn, a jumping castle and face painting – everything tiny busy bodies could ask for.
After having donated, donors and their loved ones were spoiled with a lekker boerewors roll and some refreshing juice.
According to Donor Relations Practitioner Katrina Makamo, the event was held to create awareness, increase the number of donors, and treat donors and their little ones to some fun in the sun.
“Lockdown has kept most of our donors in their homes and we wanted to get them out again. We also wanted to let them know even during these times the need for blood remains,” she said.
“We were happy to see all the donors having a good time. We’d say the event was successful as we managed to meet our set target. Even though the turnout was great, we were hoping for greater numbers. But we do understand that due to Covid people remain wary to go out.”
Even though they try to host such events as often as possible, many activities had to be suspended due to Covid-19. Katrina would like to remind the community that every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood.
Since blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, the supply must be replenished constantly by generous blood donors. In South Africa 3 500 units of blood are transfused daily to patients in dire need of blood and blood products. Yet only 1% of the population donates blood.
“We are calling on all South Africans who qualify to come through to our donor centres. The SANBS has taken precautionary measures to ensure that the people who utilise our facilities are protected,” she said.
“At the SANBS we are closely following guidelines issued by the NICD (National Institute for Communicable Diseases) which promote healthy personal hygiene practices, both in our offices and at our fixed and mobile donor centres. We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of fellow citizens. Our staff is also equipped with the necessary PPE (personal protective equipment) and all Covid-19 protocols are observed.”
The team at the Beacon Road Donor Centre would like to thank the Egoli South marketing team, Yubre Isaacs (Clinic Supervisor), the centre staff and Blosem Foundation.
If you would like to support the cause and save a life, feel free to visit the centre during these times:
• Monday to Friday – 08:00 to 17:00
• Saturday – 08:00 to 14:00
• Sunday – 08:00 to 12:00
