Sapra to host community blood drive on 15 May
PARKWOOD – Tracy Davies, representing Sapra, said the association is delighted to resume the drive which was halted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Saxonwold and Parkwood Residents Association (Sapra) is resuming its blood drive initiative on 15 May between 10am and 2pm at Northern Suburbs Tennis Club off Blandford Road in Parkwood.
Tracy Davies, representing Sapra, said the association was delighted to resume the drive which was halted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There is always a dire need for blood donors. We also believe that a lot of people who used to donate blood at their workplace are now working from home, and because of this, the number of people donating has reduced. If we introduce a drive that is close to their home, we could help and give them an opportunity to donate at a local place that will be convenient for them,” added Davies.
Davies said she hoped to get the word out there through this drive and see as many donations as possible on 15 May.
She also hoped to see more young people participating in the drive.
Ward 117 committee member and recent university graduate Stephen Meintjes encouraged youth to donate blood at the upcoming drive.
He said during high school, drives would commonly take place at schools during class hours with many learners pleased to participate.
“However, many of us have not had access to blood drives as they are not frequent on university campuses. Furthermore, in light of the pandemic, blood drives almost completely stopped. As such, people have fallen out of these habits,” said Meintjes.
He believed that if drives were better advertised on social media, young people would participate and they would become trendy Good Samaritan activities.
“I believe there are sufficient numbers of socially conscious youths out there who would and could donate freely if only they were aware of the location and times of these blood drives.”
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