Everyday heroes awarded
The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) awarded and thanked their regular donors.
It was a moment for over 300 everyday heroes to shine when they were thanked at the annual Egoli West Donor Awards held by the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) at Usambara in Muldersdrift recently.
At the awards Keith Nash, Egoli West Donor Committee Chairman and the emcee of the event said this is the only way they can thank their regular blood donors.
“Without you SANBS cannot exist and therefore this is our way of thanking you for giving up your precious time for another – to be here means that you have reached a milestone.”
Elzanré Venter, a pupil from Hoërskool Noordheuwel and a blood recipient gave a gratitude speech to all the blood donors who ensured that she is still able to live a normal life after being diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disease.
During the official donor awards proceedings many awards were given which included 41 donors who are part of Club 25, a campaign that is focused on the youth to donate 20 units of blood before they turn 26.
Many also receive their first medal once they made more than 50 donations.
Medals were thereafter given to donors who donated 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300 and more than 350 units of blood respectively.
The donors who donated 300 and more were Ian Grobbelaar (300) and Paul van der Merwe (350).
Keith says that donors never know who receives their blood, but to the recipient it is a gift of life.
