Every year, on July 18, people around the globe do their bit in support of Mandela Day to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n
But how many will be able to say they saved the lives of three people?<\/p>
\u201cYou will be able to donate blood, if you visit any of our hundreds of Mandela Day sites around South Africa,\u201d said Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).<\/p>\n
Mandela Day has been celebrated every year since 2010.<\/p>
In 2009, on former president Nelson Mandela’s birthday, the United Nations declared July 18 to be Nelson Mandela International Day.<\/p>\n
At first, the call was for people to dedicate 67 minutes of their time \u2013 representing the 67 years of his life that Mandela gave to social justice \u2013 to volunteering and community service.<\/p>\n
The campaign has now shifted to encouraging individuals and organisations to act throughout the year, and not just on one day.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy donating a unit of blood every eight weeks, blood donors are able to live up to the ideal of Mandela Day by performing voluntary service throughout the year,\u201d said Mlambo.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd every time they do, they are potentially saving the lives of three people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat better way to honour the life and service of Nelson Mandela?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SANBS\u2019s theme for Mandela Day is, It\u2019s not just blood, it\u2019s saving a nation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n As its commitment to Mandela Day, the SANBS will be hosting blood donation sites at hundreds of locations all over South Africa.<\/p>\n To find out where your nearest donation site is, call the SANBS on 0800 11 9031, email customerservice@sanbs.org.za<\/a> or visit http:\/\/sanbs.org.za\/mandela-day-activities\/<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to make a difference on Mandela Day and you don\u2019t know how, or you\u2019re already doing something but you\u2019d like to do more, visit one of our donation sites.<\/p>\n \u201cDonation is quick and easy \u2013 and it\u2019s a lifesaver,\u201d said Mlambo.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n Blood donors recognised for helping to save lives<\/a><\/p>\n Malaria is a preventable threat to SA\u2019s blood supply<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate\u00a0<\/span>pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>