DRIVEN by her passion for giving back, Michelle van Rensburg has taken the initiative to host regular blood drives to assist the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in boosting blood supplies.

Van Rensburg explained that the idea was sparked after a conversation about the ongoing blood shortage.

“I thought, why not? We have the venue and a solid client base,” she said. “I reached out to SANBS and was informed of the terms and conditions.

That was about five years ago, and since then it has become an ongoing initiative, hosted once every three months.”

The business owner, who said she is actively involved in various charity organisations, told the Highway Mail that community work is something she deeply values.

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Reflecting on the first blood drive, she recalled challenging weather conditions.

“It was pouring with rain. It was freezing, there was even snow in Hillcrest. The first hour was very slow,” she said.

One of the requirements for hosting a blood drive is securing a minimum of 15 donors.

“I was so worried, but by the end of the day, we had collected 34 pints of blood,” she added.

Van Rensburg described the initiative as a simple yet meaningful way to give back.

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“Giving back makes my heart happy. This is an easy collaboration, SANBS does all the work, and I provide the venue,” she said.

She encouraged community members to come out in numbers and support the next blood drive scheduled for Saturday, March 28.

“Donating blood is such a simple act, yet it can save lives. It is truly selfless.”

With the Easter weekend approaching, Anele Ngcobo, a donor relations practitioner, also urged the public to donate.

“Blood stocks are currently low. This Saturday’s drive is a promotional campaign aimed at raising awareness about blood donation and hopefully attracting new donors.

“On March 28, we are calling on the public to help us do what we do best: answer the call to save lives. Answer the call in our nationwide blood drive activation, we need to secure eight days’ of blood stock, and we cannot do it without you,” Ngcobo said.

To answer the call, people can assist by recruiting donors and spreading the word on your personal social media channels.

“Every person who walks through the door brings us closer to our goal. The more donors we recruit, the more lives we save.”

The blood drive will take place from 09:00 to 16:00 at Miss Moo Nails parking area at 40 Maurice Nichols Road, Hatton Estate, Pinetown.

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