An outstanding 148 664 units of blood were donated and 13 957 new blood donors were welcomed by the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) in 2024.
The service extended its heartfelt gratitude to all blood donors for their remarkable contributions. Every donation has made a profound impact on patients and their families.
The WCBS had a special “thank you” to donors during the December holidays, a busy, festive period. “We are incredibly grateful for their unwavering commitment,” said Michelle Vermeulen, head of marketing and public relations at WCBS. “Your generosity made a lifesaving difference.”
Looking ahead, the service has launched its campaign “Be Someone’s Type”, focused on expanding its donor base. Instead of traditional New Year’s resolutions, WCBS encourages donors or those considering their first donation to make blood donation a priority for 2025.
If you are aged 16 to 75, weigh 50 kg or more, are in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. Donating blood is safe and painless, with only 475 ml drawn and replaced within 24 hours.
Donors must eat a substantial meal within three to four hours before donation and to increase their fluid intake before, during and after donation. Blood donation takes 30 minutes, and you can donate blood every 56 days.
- For more details, visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS app, or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.
