Shoppers step up to save lives
Over 100 shoppers donate blood at Richards Bay shopping centre.
A SATURDAY of spending put more than 100 shoppers in good enough spirits to donate blood for the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) and lend an ear to representatives of the Sunflower Fund.
The two organisations joined hands at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre, with East Coast Radio DJ Cameron Claassens acting as the event’s main speaker, to raise awareness of the dire need for blood supply and potential stem cell donors for leukemia patients.
With only two-and-a half-days’ blood stock supply currently available instead of a desired five, SANBS Durban Public Relations Officer Dennis Ngongoma said the overwhelming response from Zululanders was humbling.
‘Over 100 compassionate individuals came through the doors to give blood and we managed to collect 84 pints,’ said Ngongoma.
‘This is phenomenal – we normally only expect 15 pints from a mobile clinic in a day.
‘Thank you to each and every donor who has and continues to contribute, giving the gift of life.’
Sunflower Fund’s KZN Donor Recruitment Specialist Mandy Bergsma was also pleased with the outcome of the event.
‘Sixteen people registered as potential donors on Saturday,’ said Mandy.
‘With the chance of finding a match donor only being one in 100 000, we urge other members of the community to step up and become someone’s only chance for survival.
‘We need donors across all ethnic groups.’
For more information or to register, call the Sunflower Fund toll free number 0800 12 10 82 or the SANBS toll free number 0800 11 9031.
