The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS), together with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), will host its first, 1 Day – 1 Nation – 5 000 Units of Blood campaign in the hopes of collecting 5 000 units of blood on Saturday 13 April.
“We are very excited to host the first 1 Day – 1 Nation – 5 000 Units of Blood campaign,” said Marike Carli, public relations manager for the WCBS. “We hope all South Africans who are eligible to donate blood will support us on this day.”
Both blood services anticipate blood stock shortages leading up to the winter months. Blood-stock levels tend to decline during the Easter period as well as school holiday’s as donors make their way to their holiday destination and blood donation might then not always be top priority. Ramadan started on Monday 11 March, which also adds additional pressure to the blood stock levels as Muslim donors can’t donate during the fast.
“Right now, we need all the help we can get – from current and potential donors,” said Thandi Mosupye, senior manager of marketing, communication and brand for the SANBS. “Moreover, we ask South Africans to become regular donors. By donating blood regularly, we can easily maintain safe stock levels throughout the year.
Join WCBS and SANBS on Saturday, 13 April, from 09:00-16:00 at any of the following participating blood donation clinics:
- Somerset Mall – Somerset West
- Blue Route Mall – Tokai
- Kenilworth Centre – Kenilworth
- Bayside Mall – Table View
- N1 City Mall – Goodwood
- Tyger Valley Shopping Centre – Bellville
- Capegate Shopping Centre – Brackenfell
- Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre – Mitchells Plain
- Whale Coast Mall – Hermanus
If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50 kg or more, are in good general health, and consider your blood safe to transfuse to a patient, you should be able to donate. For more information or to find your closest donation site, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 119 031.
