Blood donor campaign aims to save lives
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has joined forces with the international ‘Be the 1 Donor’ campaign to help save lives.
The campaign begun by healthcare company, Abbott in partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to inspire youngsters across the world to become donors.
“Ronaldo started donating as a 24-year-old when he witnessed one of his teammates battle with the search for a stem cell donor for his ailing son. Seven years later he still gives blood regularly.
Currently, South African tertiary students and pupils contribute about 40% to the national blood reserves – and supporting them to continue this as a life-long commitment is an important objective for the SANBS,” read a statement by the SANBS.
“SANBS is proud to be part of this movement and we hope that it will not only put blood donations on the agenda for discussion among young people but that it will also cause them to take a look in the mirror and say: ‘I have the power to save lives and I am going to use it’,” said SANBS marketing manager, Silungile Mlambo.
To become a part of the Be the 1 Donor drive, find them on Facebook or sign up at BeThe1Donor.com.
The local SANBS clinic can be found at Southway Mall. It is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday. Donors must be at least 16; weigh a minimum of 50kg, be healthy, lead a sexually-safe lifestyle and consider their blood safe for transfusion. For information call the clinic on 031-459-0986.
