The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is thrilled to announce its February blood donation campaign theme, “You’re just my type”. This theme highlights that blood types may vary, but the act of donating blood is a universal way of showing love, compassion and solidarity with those in need. Every blood donation is valuable and can make a significant difference in the lives of patients.

To celebrate the month of love, WCBS encourage couples, partners, friends, and or siblings to donate blood together. From Monday 12 February the blood donation centres at Blue Route Mall, Kenilworth Centre, 9 Long Street, N1 City and Cape Gate shopping centre will feature balloon-decorated love-chairs, especially for our donors. All blood donors will receive a heart-shaped lollipop as a token of appreciation to enjoy (or share) with a loved one.

If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50 kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. Blood donation does not cause you any bodily harm; only 475 ml of blood is taken, and this is replaced within 24 hours. Donors are advised to eat a substantial meal within three to four hours before visiting a clinic and to increase their fluid intake before, during and after donation.

Blood donation takes only 30 minutes of your time, and you can donate blood every 56 days. It is never too late to donate blood. Donors who haven’t donated blood in a while are also encouraged to find their closest blood donation clinic and continue their lifesaving journey.

For more information or to find your closest blood-donation clinic, please visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS App, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.

You’re just my type. Do something remarkable: donate blood.

When and where donors can donate in the Helderberg

Somerset West: Training Room at Mediclinic Vergelegen in Main Road from 10:00 to 15:00 on Friday 9 February; the Dutch Reformed church hall in on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Dirkie Uys Street, from 14:00 to 19:00 on Monday 12, 19 and 26 February; WCBS bus at the Mugg & Bean entrance of Somerset Mall from 10:00 to 15:00 on Friday 23 February; caravan at The Sanctuary shopping centre, on the corner of De Beers Avenue and Broadway Boulevard, from 09:00 to 12:00 on Monday 26 February; and caravan at Waterstone Village shopping centre, on the corner of the R44 and Main Road, from 13:30 to 16:30 on Monday 26 February.

Strand: The Dutch Reformed church hall in Fagan Street from 14:00 to 19:00 on Tuesday 13, 20 and 27 February.