Locals heed call for blood donations
The donations were a result of a blood drive initiated by Round Table uMhlathuze 261 at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) centre at Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre
THIRTY-nine people heeded the call for blood donations in Richards Bay this past Saturday.
The donations were a result of a blood drive initiated by Round Table uMhlathuze 261 at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) centre at Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre.
‘Round Table is a non-profit organisation that lends a helping hand to communities and with the current major blood shortage, we saw fit to lend a hand in encouraging people to donate in order to save lives.
‘We were aiming for more than 50 people but even though we didn’t make the target, one unit saves three lives,’ said Round Table uMhlathuze 261 team leader, Berto Basson.
Picture: Gugu Myeni
Basson said through the help of various stores and restaurants at the shopping centre, they were able to offer prizes to blood donors on the day.
KZN regional marketing director at the SANBS, Sifiso Khoza said they only had blood enough to last 1,3 days.
He said the organisation is concerned that blood donors have not been donating enough blood lately.
‘People just do not donate. We are not quite sure why, and it has taken us by surprise. We do not know what has gone wrong.
‘The situation is critical. We are appealing to residents of KZN – active donors, potential donors and lapsed donors – to help to bolster the regional blood stock.
‘Although all blood types are needed, blood group-O is in demand as it is universal and can be transferred to all patients in need,’ Khoza said.
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