Red roses, chocolates, romantic picnics and dinners are just some of the ways that people demonstrate how much they care for their loved ones over Valentine\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n
For those who choose not to go the conventional route to celebrate this occasion, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) encourages people to share liquid love.<\/p>
Mothers in labour, cancer patients and accident victims are just some of the people who are often in desperate need of life-saving blood transfusions.<\/p>\n
Blood donors are anonymous heroes who are the reason for thousands of people getting a second chance to live.<\/p>
\u201cValentine\u2019s Day is a chance for us to show love and generosity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis act of kindness is even more special when it includes people that we may never meet,\u201d said Thapelo Mokoena, SANBS chief marketing officer.<\/p>\n
Each unit of blood that is given could benefit up to three recipients.<\/p>\n
The precious liquid, donated by unpaid volunteers, is split into various products like platelets which are pivotal in treating patients who suffer from aplastic anaemia.<\/p>\n
In order to donate blood a donor must be:<\/p>\n
Donors are encouraged to eat something prior to their donation.<\/p>\n
To meet the growing need for blood and maintain good stock levels, SANBS endeavours to collect a minimum of 3 000 units daily and this requires collaborative efforts to achieve.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand that having a needle inserted into your arm is not an easy thing to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor those who are afraid of needles or can\u2019t stand the sight of blood, there are other ways in which they can support us in reaching our goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe challenge them not to watch from the side-lines, but to get in touch with us to find out how their spare time could be spent helping us to save lives,\u201d said Mokoena.<\/p>\n
For more information call 080 011 9031 or email to customerservice@sanbs.org.za<\/p>\n
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