After collecting almost 100 units of blood at two successful drives held at the Riverside Shopping Centre, Gert Van Zyl and his team are hosting two more blood drives.
The drives will be held on 2 September and 2 December and Van Zyl hopes to reach a total of 250 units of blood by the end of the year.
He is an estate agent in Bryanston and initiated the community-driven project. “I wanted to do something for the community where I work. I asked my company [NRG Properties] if they would sponsor me and they said yes, go for it,” said Van Zyl.
He formed a committee of estate agents and community members called ‘Making a Difference’ and partnered with the South African National Blood Service to start the change.
Valentine’s blood drive success
Van Zyl said the project has grown into one of the most successful community-driven blood drives.
A total of 60 people attended their previous drive and a total of R10 000 in prizes were given away through lucky draws following the event. He is thankful for the generosity of sponsors who made the event even more appealing for the public to get involved with.
“It is free and easy and we make it fun by giving prizes away. The aim is to build a community that stands together for a great cause that doesn’t cost them anything. Just arrive and donate.”
The Bryanston community is encouraged to step out, donate blood and save lives.