Students give gifts of life
As part of a greater wellness initiative that encourages students to live healthier lifestyles whilst making a difference within the wider community, The IIE’s Varsity College Westville campus recently hosted the South African National Blood Service and the Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei.
A BLOOD drive which was held at the IIE’s Varsity College Westville campus recently reminded students and staff of how precious life is and the importance of donating blood.
A student, Nolwazi Ngubane, who was among the donors, said she was a very sickly child and required many blood transfusions.
“Being someone who has experienced receiving blood firsthand has given me knowledge and a different perspective. Seeing what others have done for me and getting through those difficult times has inspired me to donate blood and pay it forward and save lives,” said Ngubane as she donated blood for the fourth time.
She advised first time donors to not be scared and just think of the rewards of donating blood and the impact it has on other people’s lives.
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“The process is seamless,” said Ngubane.
The tertiary institution said the blood drive was held as part of a greater wellness initiative that encourages students to live healthier lifestyles.
It was hosted by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and the Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei (DKMS). DKMS is an international non-profit organisation that works to fight blood cancer. It carries out scientific research and support for patients from diagnosis to treatment.
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DKMS volunteer, Hannah Syers, said by raising awareness and trying to match those in need with stem cell donors, she hopes that the work she does is making a difference and changing lives
“My uncle had leukaemia and that really changed my views and made me want to become a volunteer. Seeing someone so ill and helpless really pushed me to do something and help in a more productive way. My uncle’s strong fight also encouraged me to become one of the volunteers – he is the driving force behind my strong desire to make a change,” said Syers.
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