The heart of a charitable spirit is the goal to give more than one is given.
Hillfox Value Centre doubled as a one-stop charity and donation hub, July 16. Anchored by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), various charities got on board to pool their collective appeal to provide everybody with an avenue to give. In the spirit of Nelson Mandela, residents could either roll up a sleeve to give life-sustaining red gold, support those who protect animals, or help a charity better the life or someone else.
One of the less common sights at community days were the Organ Donor Foundation and the Centre for Tissue Engineering. Keith and Charlene Weeder were encouraging people to sigh up to be considered for organ and tissue donation upon their passing. “Only in 1% of deaths are doctors and surgeons able to harvest life-altering organs and tissue. Registering as an organ and tissue donor can have a massive impact on the life of a person in need,” said Keith.
The Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA was conveniently placed at the exit of the blood donation tent where they collected pet food and sold a variety of merchandise for animal lovers. “Everything we receive goes to assisting the cats and dogs, and allows us to continue to provide the service we do,” said the Maraisburg-based branch’s manager, Mandy Cattanach.
Organisations that have a year-round charitable ethos are Round Table Florida 21 and Ladies Circle Northridge 7. Assisted by Round Table Sandton 24, the teams collected blankets for Just In Time Baby Sanctuary. The men from Florida 21 and the Northridge 7 ladies hold several charity drives throughout the year and membership is open for those wanting to positively impact the world around them. “If you want to be involved in the community, want to give back and want to be with like-minded individuals between 18 and 40 years old then we have a place for you,” said Florida 21 chairperson, De Wet Swanepoel.
The SANBS was the centre point of the day, with regulars and even members of the associated organisations using the opportunity to top up the stocks. With just one pint of blood donated, up to three lives can be saved, illustrating the multiplier effect of every donation. With the right thoughts and intentions, this action of charity gives a little bit of oneself to improve the life of another.
