A bloody good effort!

Last Tuesday, March 8 marked a special day for Ballito Library as it was awarded a trophy of appreciation by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) for being one of the top blood collection sites in the province for 2015.

For more than a quarter of a century, Ballito Library has opened its doors to the SANBS blood donors.

An incredible 691 units of blood (about 311 litres) was donated by the Ballito community last year. This is roughly enough blood to perform 62 full-body blood transfusions or potentially to save well over 100 lives.

SANBS spokesperson Dennis Ngongoma, said the lasting commitment of the Ballito community to contribute to the national blood bank is to be celebrated.

“We have presented them with a trophy to acknowledge their dedicated service to the SANBS as well as to thank them and the wider Ballito community for their amazing efforts,” said Ngongoma.

While there is a high number of regular donors in Ballito, the number of donors on the provincial and national levels are simply not high enough and the demand for blood is as high as ever.

Head of collection for the SANBS in Ballito, Brenda Khuluse, said the success of the non-profit organisation rests almost entirely on donations.

“Right now, the national demand for blood is very high and we really need all those who are eligible to donate,” said Khuluse, who has been collecting blood at Ballito Library for more than 27 years.

The demand for blood is expected to increase further over Easter..

The SANBS clinic is at Ballito Library every second Tuesday of the month between 10am and 6pm. Anyone over the age of 16 and above 50 kilograms in weight is eligible to donate.

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