In a united effort to address the growing demand for blood, the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS), in partnership with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), is urging South Africans to become first-time blood donors this Saturday (12 April) from 09:00 to 16:00.
The one-day drive aims to recruit 800 new blood donors in an effort to grow a sustainable blood donor base and equally raise awareness about the critical need for regular blood donation. The WCBS hopes to recruit 300 new donors in the Western Cape and the SANBS hopes to recruit 500 new donors countrywide.
First-time donors are the focus, and the campaign aims to make that first step easy, welcoming, and life-changing.
Both blood services anticipate blood stock shortages leading up to winter. Blood stock levels tend to decline during the Easter period as well as school holidays as donors make their way to their holiday destinations and blood donation might then not always be top priority.
“This is more than just a one-day campaign; it’s a national call to action. We’re encouraging every donor to bring someone who’s never donated before. If everyone brings just one new person, we could double our impact in a single day,” said Marike Carli, WCBS marketing and public relations manager.
The WCBS hopes to collect 800 units of blood and recruit 500 new donors, while the SANBS’ goal is to collect 4 000 units of blood and recruit 500 new donors.
Donors and potential donors can visit the WCBS clinics at these shopping centres: Kenilworth Centre; N1 City Mall; Tyger Valley Shopping Centre; Cape Gate Shopping Centre; Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre; Somerset Mall; Whale Coast Mall; and Langeberg Mall.
• For more information, visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS App, or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.
