There’s a 97% chance someone you know will need a blood transfusion – so join Sprout Consulting and donate blood on June 24 at the Harvest Church in La Lucia between 10am to 6pm.
This challenge comes from Pippa Coote who, in association with the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), has collaborated with The Sunflower Fund and the Organ Donating Association, to host a blood donation drive that is aimed at collecting blood for where it’s needed most.
“People are under the misconception that blood is predominantly used for those injured in motor accidents. In fact, 26% – the second highest blood usage – is for women who haemorrhage during or after childbirth and for premature babies. That’s why we should make sure that blood stocks throughout the country are not dwindling, which is the case in KwaZulu-Natal,” she explains.
Coote tells the story of local mother, Lauren Ward, who would not be alive today if it had not been for donors who gave up just 30 minutes of their time to donate blood.
In 1995, Ward haemorrhaged whilst giving birth to her daughter Kathleen and needed 10 units of blood. It was three days before Christmas and blood stocks were low. The last thing Ward remembers before going under anaesthetic was the surgeon shouting: “If we don’t get blood quickly, we are going to lose her!”
Fortunately, blood was found. Ward is eternally grateful to those who donated the blood that saved her life. 19 years later, both mother and daughter donate regularly to reach out to those who may find themselves in similar situations.
This is Sprout Consultings’ second blood drive. The first, held in March, was successful and inspired Coote and her associates to do more.
Goodie bags will be given to the first 50 blood donors and, once again, there will be wonderful spot prizes and give aways for all donors on the day.
Should you wish to support this wonderful community initiative,
please contact Pippa at pippa@sproutconsulting.co.za
