Local brokers and SANBS host blood drive
African Independent Brokers (a member of the Badger Holdings Group), partnered on Monday with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to host a community blood drive in Selcourt.
African Independent Brokers (a member of the Badger Holdings Group), partnered on Monday with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to host a community blood drive in Selcourt.
The drive was in response to a call from the SANBS made in February. It drew attention to the critically low blood stocks in the nation and urged South Africans to donate blood as a matter of urgency.
“The SANBS and patients in need of blood extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to African Independent
Brokers and the community of Springs for their support and continuous dedication to blood donation.
“Your contribution has allowed us to give patients another chance at life and the opportunity to celebrate another birthday.
“We hope this will be the start of various other corporate partnerships in the area. Together we can make a difference,” said Terrance Pillay, donor relations practitioner of SANBS.
Through the event, they aimed to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation, educate first-time donors, encourage participation and challenge community members and local Springs businesses to donate blood.
With a target of a minimum of 70 units of blood, the campaign saw this target exceeded, thanks to 77 donors who participated in this initiative. Of these donors, 18 donated blood for the first time.
“We are honoured to have made a positive impact in our community and grateful to everyone who participated in this blood drive and to SANBS for their hard work, professionalism, and dedication to helping save lives,” said Kedi Maponyane, MD African Independent Brokers.
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“SANBS regularly hosts blood donation days at our offices, but we felt that we could do more through the inclusion of our community. Blood donation is a simple act of kindness that can save lives. Thank you to everyone who took the time to donate blood, you are all heroes.
“We also thank George Mc Kay who donated his 108th unit of blood and Allen Wells donating his 100th unit,” added Maponyane.
According to SANBS, less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors.
A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation, and for this reason, blood donors need to donate regularly.
Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.
Every unit of blood can save a minimum of three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
The African Independent Brokers encourages the community to continue supporting SANBS blood donation efforts and to educate themselves on the importance of blood donation.
