Run to save lives and become a local hero this National Blood Donor Month

The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) celebrates National Blood Donor Month during June, with the 14^thcommemorated as World Blood Donor Day and runs planned on the 25^th to raise awareness.

During the month, WCBS endeavours to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation while also celebrating and thanking blood donors for their selfless act of saving lives.

This year’s World Blood Donor Day slogan is: “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often”. It focuses on patients requiring life-long transfusion support and underlines the role every person can play by donating the remarkable gift of life-saving blood or plasma.

Run to save lives

To further raise awareness, WCBS will join myrun on Sunday, 25 June 2023, at their various events across the Western Cape.

“We are encouraging everyone to join in the fun as we celebrate the remarkable act of saving lives through blood donation,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager for WCBS.

One of the basic donor criteria is that blood donors should be in good general health to donate blood. Physical activity is vital to a healthy lifestyle, making this a great partnership.

WCBS encourages everyone to dress in red or any hero attire to fit the theme – be a local hero and donate blood. On the day, capes will be distributed to all participants to symbolise that all blood donors are heroes.

Get active with myrun

myrun hosts free and safe weekly timed events, bringing like-minded people together, regardless of fitness level.

There are 2.5km and 5km routes available and participants can complete them at their own pace.

Participants are required to do a once-off registration by visiting www.myrun.org.za. The registration has a once-off fee of R79,90 for the timing band. After registration, participants will receive a QR code that they must present at their myrun venue.

A volunteer will link the QR code and the time band to your profile. You can then use this timing band at any myrun event. Times are listed per venue. If you need to collect your timing band, please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the event.

Where to find the WCBS

WCBS will be present at Blaawklippen, Bloemendal, Blouberg, Imhoff Farm, Paardevlei, and Groot Brak, and participants will be able to enquire more about blood donation should they wish to. These venues will also have a ‘Blood Buddy’ treasure hunt and spot prizes.

For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za or download the WCBS app. For more information regarding myrun, visit www.myrun.org.za, email [email protected] or visit their social media pages at @myrunSA on Instagram and Twitter.