Community members came out in numbers to support the Irish Rock Women’s Club’s blood drive in Radiokop on October 17, despite the high temperatures over the weekend.

The drive formed part of the club’s 2026 blood donation programme, held under the message ‘Giving = Living’. With the last event being held on August 15, this drive was the fifth of six blood drives scheduled by the club for the year.

Blood donations play an important role in healthcare, helping patients who need transfusions because of illness, injuries, surgery and other medical conditions.

According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), one blood donation can save up to three lives because donated blood can be separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets for different patients.

The SANBS also encourages regular blood donation to help maintain a sufficient blood supply. Eligible donors can generally donate whole blood every 56 days. To donate, people must meet requirements that include being in good health, weighing at least 50kg and having eaten a meal within four hours before donating.

The final blood drive for 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, from 10:00 to 16:00 at the club and eligible donors are encouraged to donate their blood to help save lives.