Various SANBS awards warm hearts of donors
Local man received an award for donating blood a whopping 375 times.
South African National Blood Service (SANBS) members gathered at the Indaba Hotel to celebrate and hand out awards to members of the Egoli North Region who dedicate their time to donating blood.
The biggest award was handed to Ludwig Vorndran who has donated blood 375 times. “It is an honour to be recognised and to win this award. I am currently on 454 donations and I hope to keep donating because you never know who you save.”
The man of the hour and local hero, Vorndran, said he donates blood every two weeks and he started donating when he was 16.
“My father was an active donor and he is the one who set the example. I saw his dedication and told myself I would follow in his footsteps. As soon as I could donate I did.”
He is hoping to create the same impression on his son and daughter. “I make sure that they come with me to all the events and they also come with me when I go donate. I alternate and take them one at a time.” His son attended the awards and he seemed really interested. Vorndran hopes that when his children turn 16, they will become active blood donors.
The 44-year-old from Randburg is hoping to keep donating. “Knowing I save people’s lives is amazing and I will continue to do so whenever I can.”
Different people received awards on the day. Awards given out included 50 donations – the Igazi Madi award which was received by over 25 people. Attendees also received awards for 75 donations, 100 donations, 125 donations, 150 donations, 175 donations, 200 donations, 225 donations, 250 donations, 275 donations, 300 donations and a banging 375 donations.
The Egoli North Region has reached 99% of their target.
Dr Riana Cockeran thanked everyone in the room who donated blood. “By doing so you gave someone a chance to graduate, a chance to walk down the aisle or even a chance to see the birth of their grandchild. What you do gives people another chance in life and we appreciate you.”
She said the SANBS has launched mobile clinics fully equipped for people to donate blood and new iron tablets for patients under the age of 45. “I would also like to say a special thanks to Vorndran for dedicating his life to saving others. You truly are a hero.”
She encouraged people to keep donating blood. “Let us keep donating because together we are the pulse to keep South Africa flowing.”
Related article: SANBS urgently needs blood donors to step forward
