Committed to a worthy cause
“As long as I am healthy I will continue to support the SANBS.”
As part of Women’s Day the South African National Blood Service’s Springs Mall Blood Bank held a high tea on Wednesday.
The purpose of the day was to make all women feel special while they donated blood.
The guest of honour, Stefné Pretorius, was due to donate her 224th unit in June.
“Instead we asked her to wait until Wednesday to show our appreciation and to encourage other women to donate blood,” she says.
Pretorius first donated blood when she was 20 years old and lived in Mossel Bay.
She says giving is part of her life and she cannot think of any other way to share than sharing her blood with those in need.
“I thank God for being healthy and for being able to give to others who are in need,” she says.
Pretorius gives 500ml each time she donates and had donated blood the recommended four times a year, with her latest being her 224th donation.
Although she has never liked to be in the limelight, she believes celebrating this milestone with others is something she will cherish forever.
“It is satisfying to donate blood,” she says and added that the service at the blood bank has always been of the highest standard and the staff are always friendly and kind.
Pretorius’ blood type is O positive which is always needed.
O positive blood can be given to any person with another positive blood type.
Hannetjie Botha (55) and her sister Charmaine Venter (46) also participated in the high tea celebrations.
Venter donated her 129th unit of blood.
“Having cake and tea with everyone was very special,” she says.
Ashleigh Maartens (28) couldn’t donate blood, but she celebrated Women’s Day with the rest of the women.
“It is absolutely awesome and nice to break the habits every now and again,” she says.
It was the first time Pascal Mangengeneni (30) donated blood. He says he was driven by the thought of giving something on Women’s Day.
“This is my way of contributing, not only to those who need blood, but also to all the women who deserve to feel special and should be praised,” says Mangengeneni.
If you would like to donate blood or are looking for more information, contact the Springs branch on 011 352 2282.
