#BloodDonorMonth: Shining a light on selfless blood donors
June is National Blood Donor Month and the SANBS is again pleading with society to share some of its blood to save lives.
While the country still recovers from a unique set of circumstances due to Covid-19, the need for blood has not slowed down.
Many people need blood transfusions.
In the light of National Blood Donor Month, celebrated in June to honour blood donors, the Advertiser spoke to Atlas Vermaak who has been a committed donor for about two decades.
The 75-year-old retired civil engineer first heeded the call to donate blood in about 1993. Over the years he donated 106 units of blood.
“I became a blood donor after my wife needed blood to survive. It made me realise how important blood and donors are.
“The first time I donated blood was at a blood drive at work. One is always hesitant the first time to do something new and the needle seems intimidating at first, but needless to say here I am still donating blood. The prick of a needle is worth saving three people’s lives.
“I believe what you sow is what you reap. By giving to others something of yourself is sowing positive seeds in life,” Vermaak said.
His dedication to SANBS did not go unnoticed.
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“I received a medal at a lovely function after I donated 100 units of blood. The national blood bank always gives back to their donors,” he added.
What motivates Vermaak to stay a regular donor?
“I saw my wife struggling when she needed blood and if you attend SANBS functions or listen to testimonies of people who survived because of blood they received from donors then the maths is easy. Human blood cannot be manufactured in a factory; it can only be given by open-hearted people.
He urged community members to become regular blood donors.
Not everyone is in the position to give money to help others, but you can always give by donating blood. In this Covid time where hospitals are overcrowded, people must please donate blood. You might be the next one who needs it.”
Furthermore, the Advertiser visited the SANBS donor centre at the East Rand Mall and spotted Eric Shabangu from Dawn Park donating blood.
It was the seventh time Shabangu donated blood. The 75-year-old said he has been a dedicated donor since about 2013.
To become a blood donor, you must:
• Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years.
• Weigh 50kg or more.
• Be in good health.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle.
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
• Commit to donating blood regularly.
For more information, visit the blood donors website or contact the call centre on 0800 11 90 31. Connect with SANBS on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
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