Blood services host blood drive for Mandela Day

The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) will be hosting blood drives in celebration of Mandela Day on Thursday, 16 July (tomorrow) and Friday, 17 July at Secunda Mall from 8am to 6pm, at the donor centre at Sasol on Friday from 8am to 2pm, at eMbalenhle Mall on Saturday, 18 July from 9am to 1pm and at the Secunda and Bethal donor centres on Saturday, 28 July from 8am to 2pm.
Ms Dot Prinsloo, donor relations practitioner at the Secunda branch of SANBS, urged residents to do their bit for Mandela Day by supporting the blood service.
She said one of the most valuable lessons people learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic, is that the gift of good health can be fleeting and people need to cherish it.
“For some, the remedies for good health may be complex and for others, they are as simple as receiving a transfusion of blood, plasma or platelets,” said Ms Prinsloo.
She challenged the community to take the path of South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela, a path of active citizenship, nation-building and service to others.
“We as the SANBS, challenges every resident, to take action and inspire change by committing to blood donation and encouraging family and friends to do the same.
“To make a difference, it takes less than 67 minutes of your time.”
Mr David Porter, who suffers from haemophilia, relies on generous blood donations to stay healthy.
He is one of the people who are benefitting from blood donations and the community’s selfless acts.
“I urge everyone, please do not let Covid-19 stop you from donating blood,” said Mr Porter.
“There are still people who need blood, including myself and I need it to lead a normal life.”
Ms Prinsloo said millions of people get to live lives full of possibility, with hope and happiness because of selfless blood donors.
Blood donation is one of the easiest ways to practice active citizenship and change the lives of others.
Moreover, it is something you can continue to do every 56 days.