IT is a regular fixture on the Durban North calendar, and this year is no different as Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School hosts its annual blood drive in partnership with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).

Members of the Fatima’s Interact committee will host the drive on Monday, June 10, from 09:00 to 16:00, at the school (157 Kenneth Kaunda Road).

The drive takes on added significance as it takes place days before World Blood Donor Day (June 14).

The day is about raising awareness of the need for blood transfusions and highlighting the critical contribution of donating blood.

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Interact committee members and Grade 11 learners, Danielle Newmarch and Kara van der Sandt, spoke about their motivations for the upcoming drive at the school.

“Our goal is to collect 100 pints of blood,” explained Newmarch, who is the president of Interact. “We host the drive every year, and it really is about keeping the spirit of giving alive in our community, especially as donating blood can save up to three lives. I, myself, was ill and in ICU last year, and to know there was blood on standby was such a comfort. The SANBS has been so helpful and kind, and it makes for such a positive experience.”

Deputy president of the Interact committee, Kara, said she hopes the community comes out and supports the event on the day.

“It’s important to note that our drive is open to the community, not just staff, parents and learners. I’ve donated blood before, and it was because of doing so that I found out I have the universal blood type, Group O. It is so important to be able to give back, and it is such an easy and simple way to give back. Donating blood can mean the difference between life and death for someone,” she said.

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