The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has announced its winter trimester campaign, where they aim to encourage the public to embrace their inner hero by donating blood during the cold winter period. Despite the cold weather and school holidays, it is blood donors who step up to save lives, just like true heroes.
For the month of May, WCBS’s theme is “Heroes don’t get cold feet”. This is especially true of our blood donors as they brave the cold weather to willingly give their life-saving blood to patients who need blood. As a token of our appreciation each month, from May to August donors will receive a unique pair of our exclusive hero socks to keep them warm during the winter period. The service anticipates a decline in blood stock over the winter period, as winter presents a unique set of challenges like cold weather, school holidays and the seasonal illnesses like colds and flu.
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. First time donors are encouraged to donated blood. It is a very simple and painless process. 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.
Do something remarkable: donate blood.
