Honour Madiba’s legacy with the gift of life
Your act of kindness is estimated to benefit three patients daily.
PEOPLE have been encouraged by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to honour the legacy of Tata Madiba this Mandela Day by donating the gift of life.
Sifiso Khoza, regional marketing manager for the SANBS, said, “Mandela Day is a philanthropic occasion that challenges people the world over and reminds them that it is time to serve, and not just on 18 July. This would instil in blood donors a culture of making a difference throughout the year by donating blood regularly.
“Although SANBS currently collects over one million units of blood annually at its 87 fixed donor centres and through daily blood drives managed by 100 mobile teams, there are instances when we fall short of the 3 000 units of blood required to meet the daily demand, and this greatly impacts on the lives of patients. Traditionally, blood reserves are low in July, and since it is Mandela Day we would like to inspire the public to choose blood donations as their continued act of kindness.
“There is no better way to honour the life and spirit of a man who epitomised the precious value of life than to donate blood and save the lives of accident victims, mothers in labour, cancer patients and thousands of others.”
Each unit of blood is separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma and depending on medical needs, these products are estimated to benefit three patients daily.
To become a donor, you must be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50kg, lead a sexually healthy lifestyle and be healthy on the day of donation.
For more information and to find a donor centre close to you, call 0800 119 031 or visit www.sanbs.org.za.
