Giving is in My Blood: Calls for Blood Donations this Heritage Month
This Heritage Month, the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is calling on the public to give the ultimate gift but donating blood.
It’s latest campaign: ‘Giving is in my blood: Make blood donation part of your Heritage’ celebrates the life-saving impact that donating blood has on so many South Africans in need.
“As we celebrate our diverse heritage, we encourage everyone to make giving part of their identity. There is no substitute for blood — it’s a selfless act that saves lives and supports families. Our ‘Giving Is in My Blood’ campaign reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference,” Public Relations Manager at WCBS, Marike Carli said.
She said the WCBS will also be honouring the blood donors with a special water bottle, as a small reminder of the vital role they play in saving lives.
“Through our Extra Drop initiative, donors also have the option to forgo their token of appreciation and instead choose to have WCBS donate R15 on their behalf to our selected beneficiary. This September and October, we are proud to support the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), an organisation committed to providing life-saving bone marrow transplants for patients in need,” Carli said.
The WCBS also thanked all blood donors for their donations during the winter, which assisted in keeping the blood stocks at required levels.
“As we move into spring, we urge donors to continue supporting this essential cause to ensure a steady supply of blood for patients throughout the Western Cape,” Carli said.
If you are between 16 and 75 years old, weigh 50kg or more, and are in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you may be eligible to donate blood. The process takes just 30 minutes, and you may donate every 56 days. Donors are encouraged to eat a good meal within three to four hours before donating and to increase their fluid intake before and after donations.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic visit wcbs.org.za or WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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