It has never been too late or easy to save lives. Sandton and Rosebank’s Little Ashford Pre-schools ensured to keep the country safe and sound by encouraging the residents to donate blood on November 10 and 11.
Teachers and staff members of the preschools situated in both areas welcomed all parents, guardians and community members to a surprise. Residents were given the opportunity to donate their blood to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
One of the teachers from the Sandton Pre-school, Ronell Ntsele, described the joy that she got once she saw all the donors heading to the art room which was changed to the headquarters of saving lives for the day.
“It makes me feel proud to see parents giving their time and, of course, their blood to an important cause. I thank everyone that made it here today – from our teachers and the officials of the SANBS to our lovely parents. We were expecting a few parents to come through, we are very happy with the initiative and the turnout. Some parents are still on their way here.”
In her remarks, the Rosebank Pre-school principal, Tamsyn Wilson said, “We have been very privileged as a school to collaborate with the SANBS toward this blood drive. A big thank you to all parents and staff for donating blood. Save a life, donate blood.”
William Kachuma, who has been with SANBS for three years, assisted parents and guardians who were donating their blood.
“Donating blood is one of the most important things. Each and every unit that we collect saves the lives of about three people, in other words, that unit we divide into three. We have components: the red cells, the plasma and the platelets. They go to three different individuals. It’s good to see people donating.”
Kachuma concluded on the matter of the pain threshold for the people who might be sitting on the fence because of pain-related issues, “There’s nothing to fear, there’s no pain, just a small pinch when we insert the needle to the arm. The feeling of donating and saving lives is good and chances are that you will continue doing it.”
