5FM aims to collect 5000 units for blood service

Throughout the week, 5FM will promote the event on-air and encourage listeners to donate blood at their nearest blood donor centre.

The SANBS experienced its biggest blood shortage in 30 years two weeks ago. Since then, the situation hasn't improved much. They are still not meeting the required eight-day blood supply level.

"5FM heard of the blood service's dire need for blood and decided to make a difference. Who knows, it might be one of our listeners that needs blood during the festive season. We also take our social responsibility towards service organizations seriously and blood donation is something that all healthy South Africans should consider. By supporting SANBS during their most difficult time, we hope to play a part in creating a donor culture amongst South Africans," says Theledi Matlala, 5FM's marketing manager.

Diane de Coning, donor services director of SANBS, says that currently the demand for blood is bigger than the supply. "This has forced us to cut our issues to hospitals. Where a doctor has ordered three units of blood, only two will be issued. The 5000 units that 5FM aim to procure, will save thousands of lives over the festive season," says de Coning.

Businesses can support this special blood drive by encouraging employees to donate blood and taking a photo of the event, which 5FM will place on its website.

To find out where the nearest blood donor centre is, public can phone SANBS toll free on 0800 11 9031. Clinic details and times are also available on the SANBS website at www.sanbs.org.za. For more information as well as a daily poll updating how far 5FM is from the 5000 donation target, go to www.5fm.co.za.