Mandela Day Blood Drive

To encourage people to do 67 minutes of community service for Mandela Day, the Durban North Blood Donor Centre (situated at Kensington Square,53 Kensington Drive Durban North) will hold a special blood drive on Monday, 18th July from 8am to 6pm. Mum's Mail, Tate, Nolan & Knight and Chateau Gateaux will host the eventand The Sunflower Fund will be in attendance to educate and recruit 67 healthy and committed donors. Every donor will receive a special promotional gift and there will be lucky draws taking place throughout the day.

Last year 154 people donated a pint of blood at the Mandela Day Blood Drive, and this year they hope to top that number. All businesses in the Durban North area, as well as the Durban North community are encouragedto go along anddonate a life-saving unit of blood.

Potential stem cell donors need to be between the ages of 18 and 45 and in good health, they need to weigh over 50kg's with a BMI of <40. All it takes is two test tubes of blood to register as a donor and if you are ever lucky enough to be a match for a patient, the process of donating stem cells is similar to platelet donation, no invasive surgery is required.

In order to be a blood donor, one has to be16 years or older, weigh over 50kg, be in good health and lead a sexually safe lifestyle.

The Sunflower Fund is appealing to corporates and all members of the public to come forward and sponsor the cost of testing a new donor who could potentially save the life of a patient suffering with a rare blood disorder and in desperate need of a stem cell donor match. Without this match, a patient has no chance of survival.

Should you wish to become a donor, support one of the fundraising projects or make a financial contribution, please contact the Durban Regional Office on 031 266 1148 or email mandy@sunflowerfund.org.za .

For more information on donating blood, contact the Durban North Blood Donor Centre on 031 - 564 6070 or visit https://www.sanbs.org.za .