Residents reaches milestone with 200th blood donation to SANBS
Gerald van Staden said he donates blood every two months.
Meadowbrook resident Gerald van Staden has been donating blood since the ’70s, and has now reached a milestone, donating his 200th pint of blood at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Bruma donor centre on January 29.
Van Staden, 70, has been donating blood for more than 35 years.
His blood type is O positive. He donates six times a year, once every 56 days.
“I was part of the Kensington round table, where we made donating blood a project every two months.
“In the past, you had to go to Hillbrow as it was the only place where you could donate blood.
“The entire round table used to go as a project,” said Van Staden.
He said once he left round table, he continued donating blood.
“I like to think of myself as a nice person as I like to help others; it just became second nature,” said Van Staden.
Van Staden is also on the Egoli Central branch committee, where he assists on many blood drives in the community.
He said each the committee is made up mostly of donors and SANBS staff members.
“We also spread news on special blood drives happening in the area,” he said.
He said he now hopes to inspire others to donate blood.
“I have persuaded most of my friends to donate along with me.
“We make a day out of it,” he said.
On donating blood, he said some of his friends are afraid of needles, but they push through as it is an honour to donate blood and save lives.
Marcel Arrow from SANBS Bruma said she has known Van Staden for 15 years.
“He is such a huge inspiration, especially at his age.
“Every time he comes to donate blood, he is so interactive and makes donating blood special,” said Arrow.
Arrow urges residents to donate blood.
“You need to be 16 years old and weigh over 50kg.
“You cannot donate if you are on certain prescribed medication, or if you have had any recent serious operations.
“It is very healthy to donate blood every 56 days as you are recycling new fresh red blood cells,” said Arrow.
Most importantly, said Arrow, donating blood saves lives.
