Donate blood ahead of the festive season
HOUGHTON – Community members are encouraged to donate blood before they go away for the festive season.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urges South Africans to do their bit to save lives ahead of the festive season by donating blood.
The service held a drive at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton on 22 November where they aimed to collect 20 units of blood.
Donor relations practitioner Boitumelo Sentso, who arranged this drive, said they are trying to go to spaces where people have never given blood before. “We are supposed to reach 3 000 units of blood daily in Joburg. We also need to have five days’ stock. Two weeks ago there was a blood shortage but now we are stable but need constant donors to keep afloat.”
Sentso said that a large quantity of blood is needed over the festive season because of the large number of road accidents and women giving birth over this period.
Director of communications at the Nelson Mandela Foundation Luzuko Koti said, “We know the challenges that this time of the year brings to the SANBS and want to encourage Rosebank and Houghton residents to donate.”
Ethel Arends, who came through to donate blood, said, “I believe that this is a good cause. I would like to save a life and give back.”
Florence Garishe said, “I want to do good to other people and believe these drives are so important. I once received blood at the age of 14 and it made me realise how important it is. This gives me an opportunity to give back.”
SANBS will be hosting another drive at Killarney Mall from 17 to 21 December.
Details: www.sanbs.org.za
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