Pier 14 Shopping Centre in Port Elizabeth played host to the final blood drive of National Blood Donor Month last week, under the theme “Every blood donor is a hero”.
The drive saw 74 potential donors come forward, which resulted in 52 successful donations and exceeded the South African National Blood Service’s target of 50 units.
SANBS public relations practitioner Nina van Wyk said what made the blood drive more remarkable was the fact that over 50 per cent of participants were first-time donors.
“Our hope is that they can now be recruited for future blood drives and become regular donors.”
According to Van Wyk, the Eastern Cape branch of the SANBS required 3 725 units per month to meet the existing need.
“Currently, we are experiencing a blood shortage with only 2.9 days’ stock on hand, while we need at least five days’ stock in reserve.”
Van Wyk said the SANBS’s aim was to make blood donation as easy and accessible as possible, which was why the shopping centre was chosen as a suitable venue.
“We always experience good support from Pier 14 and look forward to an ongoing partnership.”
Sophia Steyn of centre management said blood donation was a vital community service and that Pier 14 was happy to assist in highlighting the work of the SANBS wherever it could.
She said those shoppers who gave blood were true heroes. “Donating blood costs you nothing but doing your bit can literally save someone else’s life.”
Umhlobo Wenene DJs Amaza Ntshanga and Nonala Tose broadcast their show live from the centre, keeping the public informed with regular updates and encouraging shoppers to get involved.
Umhlobo Wenene FM’s breakfast show DJ, Putco Mafani (centre), gives blood during the South African National Blood Service drive at Pier 14 last week. Keeping an eye on the patient are the radio station’s portfolio sales manager Phelisa Silekwa (left) and SANBS registered nurse Patricia Gallant (right). Photo: Supplied
