SANBS shows appreciation to councillor
Community members are urged to donate blood to help save lives.
Ward 22 councillor Madelaine Muller’s dedication to go above and beyond for her community is now benefitting the Boksburg SANBS branch.
Muller has been actively encouraging residents on WhatsApp community groups to donate blood, aiming to help the local blood bank maintain sufficient stock.
This has not gone unnoticed. As a token of appreciation for her support, the SANBS branch presented Muller with a gift at its donor centre at the East Rand Mall on April 25.
A helping hand
Hessie Dlamuka, a phlebotomist at the centre, explained that she reached out to Muller in mid-March when the blood bank urgently needed donors.
“The chairs were empty and I tried my luck and asked the ward councillor to share an appeal on a community WhatsApp group, and she responded without hesitation,” said Dlamuka.
Following Muller’s post, the center saw a surge in donors.
“We’ve now seen a noticeable increase in blood donors, for which we are very grateful. She now regularly checks with us to see if we need assistance, and we don’t even have to ask. I’m truly touched by her commitment to supporting us. The ward councillor has truly made a difference for the donor center. She goes above and beyond for her community.”
Local donor practitioner Peter Mafela also expressed his appreciation for the community’s response during times of blood shortages.
Your blood saves lives
Muller, in turn, stressed the life-saving importance of blood donation.
“Blood saves lives, and that’s why I encourage residents to contribute. This cause is especially close to my heart, as a family member of mine was once in need of blood. I also donated blood when I was still able to,” she explained.
The ward councillor thanked the blood bank for her thoughtful gift and for the vital services they provide.
“Many lives would have been lost without them.”
Muller urges other ward councillors and community leaders to also do their part in supporting SANBS.
The East Rand Mall donor centre operates from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 15:00 on weekends and public holidays.
Donors must meet the minimum criteria for donating blood, which are as follows:
• Weigh at least 50kg.
• Be between the ages of 16 and 65.
• Be in good health.
• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion.
• You may only donate every 56 days.
For more information about hosting a blood drive, contact Mafela on 079 891 1169 or send and email to peter.mafela@sanbs.org.za.
Follow the SANBS on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs)
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