Each year, thousands of South Africans require blood transfusions during medical procedures, emergencies, and for ongoing medical conditions. Blood donation takes only 30 minutes, but each donation can save up to three lives. Yet, despite the shortage of blood stock in South Africa, only 1% of the South African population donates blood. World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14, raises awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products.

Established as a global event by the World Health Organisation, World Blood Donor Day also seeks to acknowledge and thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts.

This year, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) under its #WeAreThePulse campaign, will highlight the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping people, and communities healthy. It also serves as a call to action to more people to contribute to saving lives by donating blood regularly.

“We see this day not just as an occasion to celebrate, but as a powerful call to action.”

“It urges us all to step forward, to give something of ourselves, and to become part of a life-saving network of heroes who fuel the pulse of our nation,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS Senior Manager: Marketing, Communication and Brand.

Celebrate National Blood Donor Month in Parys in partnership with Overvaal Stereo, on Tuesday, 11 June.

Donate blood at the Reformed Church Hall, Corner of Loop & Paulsen Street, Parys from 13h00 – 19h00. Help SANBS collect 50 units of blood and more.

To be eligible to donate blood, one must be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh more than 50kg and be in good health.