The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) continues to celebrate its heroes, the blood donors in the province, and inspire others to follow suit during the last month (August) of their winter campaign. They pay tribute to each donor who saves lives through blood donation, and donors who successfully donate a unit of blood will receive a limited-edition pair of hero-inspired socks as a small token of appreciation – while stocks last.
“With the continued cold weather in the Western Cape we still see the effects on our blood stocks,” says Marike Carli, WCBS public relations manager.
The O-negative blood-stock levels remain critically low – a two-day supply and O-positive at three days. WCBS encourages everyone to help support the many patients who need blood during this crucial period by braving the cold and finding their closest blood-donation clinic to give blood.
Blood donation takes only 30 minutes of your time every 56 days. It requires you to be between 16 and 75, weigh 50 kg or more, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle. It does not cause you any bodily harm – only 475 ml of blood is taken, and this is replaced within 24 hours. Carli advises donors to eat a substantial meal within the three to four hours before visiting a clinic and to increase their fluid intake before, during and after donation. Donors are advised to refrain from over-exerting themselves after donating.
“As our hero theme comes to an end in August we would like to remind everyone that you too can be a mighty hero by saving three lives with one blood donation,” Carli added.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS App, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.
Do something remarkable, donate blood.
Helderbergers can swing by the following venues for blood donations during the month of August:
Gordon’s Bay: Die Lofsentrum, on the corner of Dennehof Street and Admirals Way, from 14:00 to 19:00 on Thursday 17 August.
Somerset West: The Dutch Reformed Church, on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Dirkie Uys Street, from 10:00 to 15:00 on Saturday 12 August, as well as from 14:00 to 19:00 on Monday 14, 21 and 28 August; and the Training Room on the ground floor at Mediclinic Vergelegen in Main Road from 10:00 to 15:00 and Esteam Building in Bredall Street from 10:00 to 14:30 on Friday 18 August.
Strand: The Dutch Reformed Church in Fagan Street from 14:00 to 19:00 on Tuesday 22 August.
