Giving blood on Mandela Day

To commemorate Mandela Day on July 18, Northmead resident Tracy Johnston and Impala Park resident Ashley Theron decided that donating blood and plasma would be their 67 minutes of giving back.

Johnston was donating blood and Theron was donating plasma at the SANBS stationed at 42 14th Avenue, Northmead.

From its 87 fixed-donor centres, the SANBS collects over one million units of blood annually, as well as daily blood drives that are managed by 100 mobile teams.

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A total of 3 000 units of blood is required every day in order to meet the daily demands of patients in need of transfusions.Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.

Johnston has been donating blood since she was 18 years old.

“Today will be my 51st time donating blood, I decided to do it on Mandela day as my 67 minutes because I have been doing this for a long time, and want to make my mark however I can, by contributing to my country,” said Johnston.”I also love all the goodies you receive after, especially these two new masks I got.”

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Although Theron resides in Boksburg, she always makes the trip to Benoni SANBS, Northmead, for her monthly plasma donations.

“I am A blood type, which means my plasma is rare. I haven’t been donating for so long, yet, but this is my fourth time and I am going to keep coming back,” explained Theron.”Even though I only came today because I was due back I am so happy and fortunate it fell on Mandela Day; it feels good to be donating plasma for my 67 minutes.”

Blood can be donated every 56 days and platelets can be donated every 28 days.Donors can visit the Benoni centre or contact them on 0800 119 031.