Considering that blood is the most important liquid in a human’s body, blood donation was the order of the day at the Northern Suburbs Tennis Club on 7 April.
Children under the age of 16 and some of the tennis players were keeping busy by playing tennis while their parents donated blood.
In partnership with the Saxonworld and Parkwood Residents Association (Sapra), Kristen Lalieu, who is a member of the committee at the courts, said the tennis court is more than eight years old but the struggle to increase its membership still continues.
“We are organising this event to increase the membership in the community and to bring in more tennis players; we are also trying to convey a message that this is a public venue and it should be used as much as possible,” said Lalieu.
The Sarp staff members were also at the event to monitor the process of blood donation. The majority of blood donors said they donate more often because it is their way of giving back.
Connor Davies (19) was a first-timer, and exclaimed he was a bit anxious. “I don’t think I will have a problem with the pain. I just don’t like the thought of injections going into my skin.”
The association’s chairperson, Tessa Turvey said she is still struggling to understand the reason why people carry on as though the club doesn’t exist.
“I don’t know why people never use this club. People complicate things and they don’t pay attention. Why travel to another place to play tennis when there’s a court right near where you live?”
Tracy Davies, who is also a committee member of Sapra, said they had to come together to discuss the possibilities of saving their tennis club and a blood drive came to mind. Their target was to expect 30 people, and the fact that only 16 people donated, they still see it as a success.
“We thought we should give it a try because it is such a beautiful place and it is always looked after. We are trying to encourage the community to walk here at any time. A lot of people go to work during the week so we are also reaching out to them,” said Davies.
The two organisations’ members are hopeful that the event will happen every two months because they are trying to save one of their best green environments.
Ward 117 councillor, Tim Truluck said the tennis courts will collapse unless they can generate money. “It is an incredibly amazing club and has a park next to it, but there won’t be any point if no one ever uses it.”
Do you also donate blood to save lives? Tweet us on @RK_Gazette.
Related articles:
Support the SANBS blood drive at Killarney Mall this weekend
South African National Blood Service’s blood shortage woes continue
