THE Sunfoil Dolphins recently joined forces with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) over the Mandela Day weekend to achieve their target of donating 67 pints of blood or more. The Durban-based franchise has called on the people on residents to join them in their quest to donate as many pints of blood as possible as they try to play their part in alleviating the huge pressures on the national blood service.

The legacy of the late Nelson Mandela is something that Sunfoil Dolphins CEO, Pete de Wet, sees as a great initiative to make a difference and give back.

“Nelson Mandela left behind such an enduring legacy and it is an honour and a privilege to take some time to not only pay tribute to a man who did so much for our country,” De Wet said. “We also want to do our bit for our own community.”

Regional marketing manager for the SANBS, Sifiso Khoza, was grateful for the effort the Dolphins put in to try to spread awareness about the importance of donating blood and growing a consistent flow of donors.

“Each day, 3 000 units of blood must be collected to supply the hospitals in South Africa,” Khoza said. “The need for blood is ongoing – every 35 seconds someone in South Africa needs a blood transfusion. As part of the SANBS strategic objective to increase the donor panel and in alignment with this, we need to grow the KZN and Zululand donor base.”

It is important that the national blood service has a number of consistent donors and Khoza is glad that the Dolphins can join the list of prominent figures that promote blood donation.

“It is wonderful that the Dolphins have joined a group including eThekwini mayor, James Nxumalo, Sibongiseni Dhlomo (KZN Health MEC) and a number of prominent radio personalities who have dedicated to give blood over the years.

“These people are performing a life-saving role for no reward, other than the knowledge that they are helping others. We want to inspire existing donors from all walks of life to keep giving regularly and also encourage those who have not given blood before to sign up to start their blood donation journey,” Khoza asked.

A number of the Sunfoil Dolphins players will be present at the blood drive, signing autographs and meeting with fans.