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The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) recently hosted a heart-warming Donor Appreciation Award Ceremony at Mentorskraal in Jeffreys Bay, to honour individuals from the Kouga region who have selflessly donated blood multiple times over the years.
Speaking on behalf of the donor committee, Paul du Plessis emphasised the profound impact of giving to those in desperate need.
He urged donors to continue their noble contributions and inspire others to join the cause.
Du Plessis said that the highlight of the evening was the recognition Ron Miles received from SANBS national council member, Siemi Prithvi Raj, who described him as a “beacon of compassion and service to humanity” for his astounding donation of 225 units of blood over 19 years.
He further said that Miles, who is from Jeffreys Bay, was lauded for his unwavering dedication to saving lives and for his commitment as a council committee member locally, provincially, and nationally.
“The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the critical need for blood donation to sustain life-saving efforts. SANBS urges everyone to consider donating blood to help save lives,” said Du Plessis.
In addition to the award handed over to Miles, he said there were more than 150 locals who also received awards for blood donations.
Further elaborating on the function of the local donor committee, Du Plessis said the committee was formed to assist the medical professionals with blood drives.
“The committee is a new way to help SANBS gain more donors, and create more awareness of the need for donating blood to save lives,” he said.
Zikhona Ruiters, Eastern Cape head of Donor Relations, said that the donor awards are a celebration to commemorate milestone donations within the SANBS, and to thank donors for their unwavering dedication to donating blood and saving lives.
“Each cherished drop of blood they have given has allowed many recipients an opportunity to create new lasting memories,” said Ruiters.
She said that donating a unit of blood saves the lives of those in dire need of blood.
Ruiters further said that people should develop a habit of donating blood to ensure that the SANBS has sufficient blood in cases of emergency.
“When one donates blood, they give patients the gift money cannot buy, and science cannot create. A unit of blood can save up to three lives, as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets,” said Ruiters.
She said that, as of April 10, the SANBS has three days of blood stocked.
To increase their blood stock, Ruiters said that as part of the SANBS partnership with the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS), they will be host a 1 Day – 1 Nation – 5 000 Units of Blood initiative to collect 5 000 units of blood at various locations throughout the country on April 13.
“We invite you to make a direct and impactful contribution to the life-saving mission, by volunteering to recruit donors at blood drives that will be held at several malls nationwide,” said Ruiters.
Within the Kouga region, Fountains Mall has been identified as a blood donation clinic on April 13, from 09:00 to 16:00.
“We are very excited to host the first 1 Day – 1 Nation – 5 000 Units of Blood campaign. We hope that all South Africans who are eligible to donate blood will support us on this day.”
Thandi Mosupye, senior manager for Marketing, Communication, and Brand for the SANBS, said that both blood services anticipate blood stock shortages leading up to the winter months.
She said that blood stock levels tend to decline during the Easter period as well as school holidays, as donors make their way to their holiday destination and blood donation might then not always be top priority.
In addition, since Ramadan started on March 11, Mosupye said additional pressure has been added to the blood stock levels as Muslim donors cannot donate during the month of Ramadan.
“Right now we need all the help we can get, from current and potential donors. Moreover, we ask South Africans to become regular donors. By donating blood regularly, we can easily maintain safe stock levels throughout the year,” said Mosupye.
Blood donor requirements are as follows:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years
- Weigh 50kg or more
- Be in good health
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
- Commit to donating blood regularly
For more info visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact the SANBS at 0800 11 90 31.
To join the donor committee, send an e-mail to Katlego Manaka at katlego.manaka@sanbs.org.za. Also visit the SANBS social media accounts on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
