MAKING a difference in other’s lives one unit at a time . . .
Saving a possible 19 350 lives, 67 local blood donors were honoured at a special donor awards ceremony held by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) at the Savoy Hotel in Jeffreys Bay on May 9. They had donated 6 450 units of blood in total.
Albert Venter (76) from Jeffreys Bay received the highest milestone for a staggering 250 units of blood donated – a life-long commitment. His motivation? To help others.
For Venter, who first donated blood more than four decades ago, his fondest memory about blood donation is the conversations with staff members.
And the worse part of donating blood? The prick of the finger.
“I thank God for my good health,” says Venter who encourages all residents to donate blood – whether it is their first, second or third time.
In addition, 27 donors were honoured for 50 units of blood donated, while eight donors were honoured for 75 units of blood donated.
Nine local donors were recognised for over 100 units of blood donated, while seven donors received recognition for 125 units donated. Two locals donated 150 units of blood, four residents 175 and 200 units of blood respectively, and three donors over 225 unites of blood.
According to SANBS Donor Relations Practitioner Zihona Ruiters, the Jeffreys Bay branch of SANBS, collected 3 221 units of blood for 2017/ 2018 – 187 units more than the previous year.
“The Jeffreys Bay region contributes 13% of the total amount of blood collected for the Port Elizabeth West area, and 4.3% of the total amount of blood collected in the Eastern Cape,” says Ruiters.
“The region is furthermore home to the school with the second highest amount of units of blood donated in the country. This is none other than the Humansdorp Secondary High School.”
- Blood drives take place monthly in Jeffreys Bay at the Newton Hall from 12:00 to 18:00 on the first Tuesday of every month. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65, weighing more than 50kg and who leads a safe and healthy lifestyle can participate.
For more information on blood donor criteria or requirements, visit www.sanbs.org.za.
