SANBS says thanks

For the first time since 2019, SANBS Northmead Donor Centre hosted its annual Site Contact Awards to honour businesses, organisations and schools who remain committed to hosting regular on-site blood drives.

Boldly facing the impeding rain clouds, 110 stakeholders gathered at the eMseni Conference Centre, in Brentwood Park, on February 21 to find out how their efforts impacted the lives of others.

During the course of 2024, the Northmead Donor Centre collected 43 000 units of blood thus reaching its annual target with ease.

“This branch has been in operation for past 15 years and was the first specialised donor centre on the East Rand,” said donor relations practitioner, Terrance Pillay.

“This means that the centre not only collects whole blood products but also platelets and plasma which benefits patients undergoing specialist therapies such a chemo.”

Taking the podium during the glitzy event, Shivani Lutchman, head of donor relations for the Vaal Zone, applauded those in attendance, saying they are instrumental in ensuring that SANBS has access to quality, safe blood products.

“Benoni is the backbone of the Vaal Zone. When Benoni shines the entire zone shimmers,” she said.

“In November, 1 222 units of blood products were successfully collected which added to the organisation’s ability to have up to seven days of stocks during the critical festive period. Your donations, efforts and motivation kept us well in the red.”

She said that at the end of February, the Benoni branch had achieved 106% of its monthly target as well as 104% of O blood group collection.

“Blood donors make dreams come true,” said Lutchman.

“Through your actions, you are allowing families to spend more time with their loved ones. Time is the most valuable gift you can give anyone.”

Getting down to the business of recognising donation drives and the key individuals who ensure that donors line up to make their contribution, Pillay said that awards might be a tangible item to adorn a wall, but the true impact of these efforts can be seen in the eyes of recipients who have been given a second chance at living.

At the school level, Hoërskool Brandwag took home the trophy for outstanding performance, followed by Willowmore High and Mabuya Secondary, Daveyton being capped as the most improved.

Belverdere School was awarded the best-supporting school.

“During our termly blood drives we aim to collect 60 units of blood,” said Brandwag’s deputy principal, Anton Geyser.

“It is with great pride that I can say we exceeded this target and although boast-worthy, I am proud of every learner who diligently supports this initiative. It is something everyone can do and the reward far outweighs the accolade presented to us.”

Other award recipients included:
• Best new blood drive: Pomona Freight

• Best supporting community blood drives: Dalview Community and Handy Hardware and Paint Centre, Northmead

• Best supporting shopping centre: Sunward Lifestyle Centre, Boksburg

• Best supporting hospital: Far East Rand Hospital

• Tertiary institution: Ekurhuleni East College, Springs Campus

• Most improved corporate drive: Bosch and Isizwe Components

• Best supporting corporate drive: Ram Hand to Hand Couriers

• Outstanding performance by an organisation: The 100% Foundation

For more information about how your business, school or organisation can get involved in hosting regular blood donation drives, contact the Northmead Donor Centre on 011 425 4855 or log on to www.sanbs.org.za

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