Blood donors acknowledged at East Rand awards ceremony

Among the award recipients were several people who have donated blood between 25 and 225 times.

July 20, 2018

Penelope Masilela 1 minute read

SANBS donor committee member James Whitford (left) is honoured for donating 225 units by SANBS donor director Getty Simelane.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) hosted its annual East Rand Donor for Life Awards 2018 ceremony in Benoni on July 6 where donors were acknowledged for reaching milestones.

Lakefield resident Dennis Stonefield (left) is honoured by SANBS senior manger Tommy Scanes for donating 175 units.

Master of ceremonies was Wayne Keefer and Brentwood Park resident Sarah Wolmarans was the guest speaker.

She shared her life-changing experience from being a blood recipient to a donor.

Wolmarans explained that she was involved in a car accident in 2009 which left her with a crushed face, cracked skull, dislocated knee, and broken ribs and hand.

The 26-year-old applauded donors for their courage and generosity for saving countless lives, including hers.

SANBS public relations practitioner Terrence Pillay (right) with guest speaker Sarah Wolmarans.

“To my heroes, thank you for giving me a chance to live and a chance to save other lives,” she said.

“I hope people can see that their blood can save lives and I hope more people start donating because when you give blood, you give another birthday, anniversary, a day at the beach, a night under the stars, a talk with a friend and another chance.”

She added that as soon as she was able to donate, she didn’t even think twice about saving another life.

The SANBS zone donor manager, Isaac Mafisa, welcomed guests and applauded his team for a job well done.

The SANBS zone donor manager, Isaac Mafisa, addresses attendees at the SANBS Donor for Life Awards 2018 in Benoni on July 6.

Tommy Scanes, SANBS senior manager, led a presentation on how many patients were treated in the region because of the blood donations made by the award winners.

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He said a total of 12 400 donations were received in the East Rand and he explained that blood is separated into three groups, namely red cells, platelets and plasma.