WESTERN CAPE NEWS - In the true spirit of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), volunteers of the institute across the country heeded the call to donate blood in support of World Blood Donor Day on Sunday, 14 June.
According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors.
NSRI volunteers, at both coastal and inland region stations, have donated blood as part of national efforts to help save lives – both on water and land.
The NSRI is a non-profit organisation staffed by highly trained volunteers who are ordinary people doing extraordinary things day after day. Donating blood is just one more way in which the organisation is seeking to make a difference.
NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson said volunteering is at the heart of what they do. "Donating blood is simply an extension of who we are. We would urge everyone who is able to donate blood to do so as part of the national effort to save lives."
Vuyolwethu Mguli, Promotions Officer at the Western Cape Blood Service, expressed gratitude to the NSRI volunteers and NSRI Melkbosstrand which opened up the base station to serve as a donor centre free of charge.
"You showed tremendous character by helping to ensure we acquire sufficient safe blood, even during these uncertain times," Mguli said. "We are glad to know that we can depend on you to stick it out when things get a little hairy, and your exceptional work ethic does not go unnoticed."
Covid-19 has put a hold on many aspects of everyday life, but not the NSRI, whose volunteers have continued to operate as an essential service, rescuing and supporting where needed.
For over 50 years, the NSRI has been saving lives and educating South Africans about water safety, free of charge. The NSRI relies on donations from the public and corporate entities.
Visit www.nsri.org.za to see how you can help save lives.
A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation and blood donors are encouraged to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks. Every unit of blood can save three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
The SANBS aims to collect 3 000 units of blood per day to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply in the health care system.
The Mossel Bay NSRI Station 15 volunteers who donated blood at the George blood transfusion office are from left: Schalk van Bosch, Carlien van der Bank and Demi-Lee Kidd.
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