Blood drive disappoints

A blood drive held at Te Watersaal in Graaff-Reinet on 12 October saw a disappointing turnout, according to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).

“We only collected 21 units in GraaffReinet — our lowest ever,” said Donor Relations Practitioner, Zikhona Ruiters.

Locals were urged to donate, as SANBS is experiencing critical blood supply shortages.

“Covid-19 restrictions have severely limited our ability to collect adequate blood stocks, particularly because we are not able to access schools, colleges and corporate for blood drives,” Ruiters said at the time. For this reason, blood stock has dropped significantly. Information surrounding the net blood drive is yet to be announced. Locals are encouraged to keep an eye out on the SANBS social media platforms, as well as those of the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser, for blood donation dates.