Daveyton Mall tops at SANBS awards

Among the winners of the controller drive was Hammond and Pole (Boksburg), Hoërskool Die Anker (Brakpan), SAI Organsation (Kempton) and Pholosong Hospital (KwaThema).

March 16, 2019

Sheina Razack 2 minutes read

SANBS members, Monique Schreiner (left), Terrance Pillay, Wayne Keefer and Isaac Mafisa stand with recipient, Sarah Wolmarans (middle).

“Every unit of blood can save three lives,” said master of ceremonies Wayne Keefer at the blood controller awards at the Benoni Country Club on March 8.

The event was held to thank businesses, schools, hospitals, shopping centres and organisations for hosting blood drives throughout the year.

ALSO READ:

Young goalkeeper learning the value of money by raising funds for Madeira football tour

Daveyton Mall was named the winner in the shopping centres category.

SANBS Vaal Zone Donor Service Manager, Isaac Mafisa addressed invitees in South Africa’s 12 official languages and continued to say that the SANBS received between 826 000 and 829 000 units of blood since 2018.

Venitha (left) and Prithie Naidoo are from the Kempton Park SAI Organisation.

He then explained that there are one in four people who require blood transfusions which means that blood is needed every 39 seconds and 3 000 donations are required every day.

Before blood is given to someone in need, the value chain has to be followed:

• Donor relations: donors choose to donate.

• Blood is collected.

• Blood is sent for testing to differentiate which blood group (A, B, AB and O) it belongs to.

• Blood process: blood is separated into three groups – red blood cells, plasma and platelets.

• Blood is tested again and then issued to the patient.

Mafisa added that to make life simpler for donors, the registration form will be changed from April 1.

“It will be shorter,” he said as he giggled.

Charles Mkhize gave an overview of the branch performance.

“Our target was 29 370 units,” he explained.

“We reached 30 170 units to date of which Benoni contributed 17 per cent to making this possible.”

However, SANBS is still in need of donors who can donate type ‘O’ blood.

Head of Donor Relations, Monique Schreiner, used the #relationshipgoals because this year she wants SANBS to build better bonds with new and existing donors.

“When we wake up, as staff, we know that we are adding another chapter to someone’s life.

She asked more schools to get involved in the upcoming campaign called It Takes 2.

“All we need is for the youth to donate twice, to bring a friend and to share it on social media for more friends to see,” Schreiner said.

SANBS also wants to host more business invasions, community drives and commitment campaigns.

Rynfield resident, Sarah Wolmarans shared her story being a recipient.

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.

She applauded donors for their courage and generosity for saving countless lives, including hers.