#MandelaDay: Thrive Church hosts a blood drive to honour Madiba

During the day-long 2022 leg of the church’s annual Mandela Day celebration, scores of community members headed to the venue to bleed for a good cause.

July 23, 2022

Fanie Mthupha 3 minutes read

Natasha Henning and Tamryne Andrews (19) were among the scores of people who chose to make a difference by giving blood during the Thrive Church blood drive held at the church on July 16. A total of 107 units were collected during the event. This precious resource is enough to potentially save at least 321 lives. SANBS’ donor relations practitioner Trude Gaarekoe said the church's annual blood project has a huge impact as it helps to get the word out to church members and the community.

A total of 107 units were collected during the Thrive Church Boksburg blood donation drive – honouring the life and legacy of the late former SA president Nelson Mandela who would have turned 104 on July 18.

South African National Blood Services explained that the precious resource collected during the church-organised donation drive is enough to potentially save at least 321 lives.

Mandela’s birthday was proclaimed International Mandela Day in 2009 – in recognition of his efforts to bring peace and freedom. Individuals and organisations are called on to use the day or month to dedicate at least 67 minutes of their time to doing good deeds for the needy, and making a difference in communities.

In honour of Madiba’s birthday, Thrive Church in Boksburg a few years ago launched their annual Mandela Day blood donation, held every July.
As part of Thrive’s initiative, this year’s blood drive, held at the church, saw dozens of congregants, their friends and family members, as well as the community, descending on the property to bleed for the good cause.

This group of blood donors chose to make a difference by giving blood during the annual Thrive Church blood drive held at the church on July 17 to honour Madiba. They are Liezell Odendaal, Shenita Scorjie, Leonisha Scheepers, Michael Zietsman, Evona Sauls, Eleaner Yu’le and Vinolia Jacobs. Front: Duawan Yu’le and Shahid Scorgie accompanied their parents.

One donor, Cordier Devone (18) of Parkdene, said she started donating blood at the age of 16 and was on the day bleeding for the eighth time. “Giving blood gives me an amazing feeling that I have done something life-changing. I would like to encourage more people, especially my peers to do the same,” said Devone.

Cordier Devone (18) of Parkdene is proud to give blood during the Thrive Church annual Mandela Month blood drive. She was happily donating blood for the eighth time since the age of 16.

Reflecting on the impact the church’s effort to boost blood reserves have, SANBS’ donor relations practitioner Trude Gaarekoe said the church and SANBS have a long-standing partnership and the annual blood project has a huge impact on blood collection and getting the word out to church members and the community.

“It was a well-supported drive and the SANBS thanks Thrive Church for hosting such a wonderful drive, as well as every donor who showed up to donate and make a difference.
“Donating blood is a lifesaving act and with the simple act of donating blood, eligible donors can help save up to three lives with one donation.
“We are extremely thankful for all those helping us to ensure that this lifesaving resource is readily available to patients wherever and whenever it is needed, and for helping us to share that message,” said Gaarekoe.

Itumeleng Matsheke of Phumula Germiston donates blood during the Thrive Church annual Mandela Month blood drive held on July 16 at the church. A total of 107 units were collected during the event. “Thanks to everyone who showed up to donate and make a difference,” said SANBS’ donor relations practitioner Trude Gaarekoe.

Seen with her son Ethan, Chantelle Makhlouf of Parkrand smiles happily while giving the gift of life during the Thrive Church blood drive held on July 16 in honour of Madiba. The total of 107 units donated can help save up to 321 lives.

“It doesn’t really hurt; it’s just this phobia.” Belinda Cordier of Parkrand donates blood for the 88th time at the Thrive Church annual Mandela Month blood drive, held on July 16.

The next blood drive will be held on July 22 at Sion Clear Water Campus from 09:30 until 15:00.
Gaarekoe pointed out that these events are not only just about the units of blood donated, but also provide a chance for new donors to familiarise themselves with the culture of giving blood. It is hoped that, as a result of these drives, participants will be encouraged to continue donating on their own at their nearest blood centre in the future.

Donate regularly
“We appreciate the support of each one of our donors for their continuous loyal commitment over several years, and we encourage more people to start doing likewise.”
Gaarekoe indicated that the SANBS in Ekurhuleni suffered a decline in the number of donors when the pandemic began in 2020.

“Overall donations remained down during the pandemic over the last two and a half years. However, although things are not back to normal, there have been some signs of improvement since the lockdown regulations were lifted, with many people now back at work and schools back to a full-time timetable.”

Gaarekoe stated that after numbers fell during the pandemic, the SANBS has recently in partnership with other NPOs, schools, businesses and corporates launched campaigns and programmes to collect blood and recruit more blood donors.
The objective was to get more organisations to join forces with the SANBS to help to boost blood reserves and raise awareness of donating this lifesaving resource.

Where to donate
“It’s quick, easy and safe, and I would encourage anyone eligible and considering blood donation to visit their nearest donation centre. We have a donor centre at the East Rand Mall in Boksburg, Carnival Mall in Brakpan, 14th Avenue Northmead in Benoni, 20 Central Avenue, Kempton Park CBD, and Springs Mall in Springs.”

These centres operate from 10:00 until 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 15:00 on Saturday. They are closed on Sunday, but SANBS said there are plans in the pipeline to operate on Sundays as well.
To learn more about how and where to donate your blood, visit the SANBS website sanbs.org.za and save lives today.

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