Blood is an amazing thing, says Harry the Hominid
Harry says it’s important for us to look after our fellow humans and donating blood is one way we can do it.
Did you know that blood can only be replaced with blood – there is nothing we have discovered or made that is as amazing and complex as blood?
And did you know that when you donate blood, you can save up to four people’s lives?
Harry, the spokeshominid for Maropeng, says it’s important for us to look after our fellow humans and donating blood is one way we can do it.
“Every day one out of seven people who go to a hospital need blood. That’s why it’s important that as many people as possible donate blood. But you need to be over 16 years old, weigh more than 50kg and be a healthy person to donate,” he says.
Blood is made up of different parts that can be used to help people with different problems. The red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body, the platelets help the blood to clot, the white cells help us fight infection and the plasma is the liquid that carries all the others and has salts and protein in it.
“Children, babies and adults need blood. Did you know that just three spoons of blood can help save a baby’s life? Sadly we can’t keep donating blood forever and blood is in short supply that’s why it’s so important to donate,” says Harry.
“So why not make a change this year and become a blood donor? If you are too young to donate, speak to your parents and encourage them to become donors. There are blood donations centres around the country and often shopping centres, schools and universities will have blood donation days. It only takes 20 minutes to donate and is a safe process.”
“Otherwise come and join us on 6 March at Maropeng where you can donate blood at our Blood Drive. We look forward to seeing you there, making a difference,” he says.
