Western Cape, South Africa – 3 June 2025: During June, the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) celebrates National Blood Donor Month and globally we celebrate World Blood Donor Day on the 14th of June. During this month, WCBS endeavours to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and celebrate, the remarkable act of saving lives through blood donation.

This year, we celebrate this remarkable month under the theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” this theme highlights the profound impact blood donors have on those in need. It shines a light on the collective strength of community and the spirit of unity that comes from the simple, yet powerful, act of donating blood.

Why Donate Blood?

  • Blood transfusions provide life-saving support to patients in need daily. It is vital for surgeries, accident victims, cancer patients, women experiencing bleeding related to pregnancy and childbirth, and other lifelong treatments for immune deficiency disorders, sickle-cell disease, thalassemia, and haemophilia.
  • Blood cannot be manufactured, we rely on voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors to give selflessly to save lives.
  • Donation takes only 30 minutes of your time and can be done every 56 days.
  • Donating blood is a safe process, and your body quickly replenishes the donated blood volume.

Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager for WCBS, says, “As winter tightens its grip, maintaining our 5-days blood supply becomes challenging. Colds, flu, and the need of staying indoors impact donor turnout. Currently, we experiencing a critical shortage in O negative blood as we only have a 3-day supply left. We urge our community to come together in solidarity and save lives through blood donation.”

Donor Criteria:

  • You should be between 16 and 75 years old,
  • weigh 50kg or more,
  • are in good general health,
  • and lead a safe lifestyle.

We encourage all donors who haven’t donated recently to find their nearest blood donation clinic and continue their life-saving journey.

“Let’s celebrate not only World Blood Donor Day on the 14th but the entire month. Thank you to each and every blood donor who selflessly gives to save others. We salute you, our local heroes”, Carli added.

For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit: www.wcbs.org.za or download the WCBS App, or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.

Let’s Give Hope and Save Lives – Celebrate National World Blood Donor Month!