5K Blood Units campaign a success

With winter approaching and blood stocks running out, the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) conducted their one-day national campaign across the country in hopes of receiving 5 000 units of blood.

The campaign was a resounding success, as they managed to secure a total of 6 725 units of life-saving blood. The SANBS accounted for 5 683 units, of which 2 883 are Group O positive.

This surplus of blood will benefit those in need of life-saving transfusions, such as accident victims, surgical patients, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

By exceeding their target, the organisation will be better prepared to meet the ongoing need for blood in the country.

The campaign targeted various communities across the country where citizens were urged to step up and give the gift of life.

According to a statement by SANBS, they anticipate blood stock shortages leading up to the winter months. Blood stock levels declined during the Easter period as well as school holidays as donors made their way to their holiday destination.

The SANBS also emphasised the importance of donating blood regularly to ensure a sustainable supply for those in need and stated that a single blood donation can save up to three lives.

The Roodepoort Record was touched by this initiative and visited the donation stations around Roodepoort to ask donors why they took this initiative to donate blood.

Beacon Donor Centre (Florida)

Kim and Troy van Es said, “We are doing our bit for our fellow humans, especially kids suffering and fighting cancer.”

Faizel Sayed said, “Doing my part to save lives [for the free stuff as well].”

Lizelle Els said, “I’m doing this for healthy purposes. I know people who work in this department, and they always share their stories and how important blood donation is to other people.”

Eric Brodie said, “Been doing it since 1997. It’s good for me, and it’s good for other people.”

Misha Els said, “I’m also doing it for health benefits, and it makes me feel good that I’m contributing to saving lives.”

Clearwater Mall

Nkosikhona Tshabalala said, “I’m donating blood for the first time, and I think what came to me is the many people that are involved in accidents and may need emergency blood. It makes it feel good that I will be giving someone an opportunity in life.”

Quinton White said, “Donating blood saves a lot of blood, and I have learned that if you can help do it, I know people who work at SANBS, and we don’t always know how many people may need that blood. I brought my son here as well so that he could know the importance of saving lives.”

Priscilla Zitha said, “It’s nice to give someone something I carry around too.”

Chantel White said, “Donating blood is not about saving blood only; I do it for medical research purposes. For those who are scared of the needle, they can always give out that small blood for researchers to benefit.”

Bruce Hall said, “I have been donating blood since high school, 34 years ago, and to me, it is a sense of giving back to the community.”