There is no greater gift you can give at this time of year than the gift of life. As the year winds to a close and holiday destinations become filled to the brim with people escaping the city life, there is one organisation whose hard work never stops, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
The SANBS works overtime to bring in life saving units of blood as they experience a short supply over the holiday period. According to SANBS Spokesperson, Vanessa Raju, there is a daily need for at least 3000 units of blood. While the number of road accidents in South Africa increases significantly over the Festive Season, they aren’t the biggest contributor to the low levels of blood experienced. The supply of blood in fact drops most significantly because there are simply fewer people donating at this time of the year. However, the combination of an increase in demand and a lack of donations results in an urgent need for blood. Which is why the SANBS rely on blood drives and dedicated regular donors throughout the year.
Giving back is at the heart of the OUTsurance culture and we keep the spirit of giving alive all year round with OUTsurance blood drives. We join together with the SANBS four times a year to make the OUTsurance Blood Drive a popular event at our company, collect as many donations as possible and encourage the behaviour of donating regularly. According to the SANBS, regular donations are vitally important to ensuring the consistent availability and safety of blood.
In 2015, OUTsurance had 1,253 donors attend blood drives and collected 1,050 units of much needed blood. With each unit having the potential to save up to three lives, OUTsurance staff can be proud to have potentially saved 3,150 lives this year alone. We’re extremely honoured to be involved in such meaningful projects that make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Build your spirit of giving this Festive Season, become a regular blood donor and if you’d like to give a meaningful gift, give the gift of life.