Community members rolled up their sleeves to make a lifesaving difference when the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Parkmeadow Donor Centre hosted its Jail and Bail campaign.

The fun community initiative aimed to boost blood donations during the winter season, when blood stocks are often at their lowest.

Winter is traditionally a challenging time for blood collection, with school holidays, colder weather, and seasonal illnesses such as flu and colds often resulting in fewer people donating blood. With less than 1% of South Africans actively donating blood, every donation counts, and a single unit of blood can save up to three lives.

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Lebo Matsimbi of SANBS said the day was all about encouraging people to donate blood while creating an enjoyable community experience.

She said the event was well supported, with community members backing the campaign and helping to raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood donors.

Matsimbi said the campaign exceeded its target of collecting 50 units of blood.

The Jail and Bail campaign challenged participants to be “jailed” for a good cause before rallying friends, family, colleagues and community members to donate blood in their name. Participants secured their “freedom” once 10 successful blood donations had been made under their name.