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The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has announced its winter-trimester campaign last week, aiming to encourage the public to embrace their inner hero by donating blood during the cold winter period.
During May the service’s theme is “Heroes don’t get cold feet”. This is especially true of blood donors as they brave the cold weather to willingly give their life-saving blood to patients who need blood.
As a token of appreciation from May to August donors will receive a unique pair of exclusive hero socks to keep them warm in winter. The service anticipates a decline in blood stock in winter, as this period presents a unique set of challenges such as cold weather, school holidays and seasonal illnesses.
“The winter period comes with many hurdles,” Marike Carli, WCBS public relations manager, pointed out, “many people fighting colds and flu, students going home to different cities for holidays, and the cold weather keeping us inside. However, we encourage eligible donors to please help us maintain a five-day blood-stock supply within the Western Cape.
If you are between 16 and 75 years, 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 any bodily harm, as only 475 ml of blood is taken, which 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 only takes 30 minutes of your time and you can donate blood every 56 days.
- For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS App, or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.
