Drive for blood donations
THE Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has launched a blood donation campaign which highlights the impact a single donation can have on another person’s life.
A heart-warming series of videos focuses on the personal relationship donating blood creates with a donor and the possible recipient.
The videos show that anyone can donate, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity. No matter who you are, you can save three lives with each donation.
“You might not know who your blood is going to, but you can be sure that it will make a difference in someone’s life,” said WCBS spokesperson Michelle Vermeulen.
“We hope that this campaign will inspire people to give blood. Although many people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives, less than 1.5% of the population donates.”
Ahead of Easter and Ramadaan, focusing on the importance of reflection and charity, the service has appealed to the public to give back to those in need.
“During the Easter period and over Ramadaan we see a significant drop in blood stocks. Many of our regular donors are away on holiday for Easter or fasting over the religious month of Ramadaan,” Vermeulen said.
“This is a critical time – with the Western Cape population growing steadily, we need your help in order to meet the increasing demand for blood.”
The blood donated is given to trauma and accident victims, surgery patients, burn victims and people with blood diseases such as leukaemia and sickle cell anaemia. Every unit of whole blood is separated into three life-saving parts: red cells, platelets and plasma,” Vermeulen said.
Blood donors need to be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh over 50kg, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle. The process does not cause you any bodily harm – only 475ml of blood is taken, and this is replaced within 24 hours.
For more information, SMS “Blood” to 33507, call WCBS at 021 507 6300, email info@wcbs.org.za or visit www.wcbs.org.za. Blood stock updates and interesting facts about donation can be found on Facebook (@TheWCBS), Twitter (@The_WCBS) and Instagram (@thewcbs) accounts.