04 Feb 2018

Rail Park Mall in partnership with the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) will host a blood donation drive at the mall for the public from February 12 to 17.

According to a press release from Rail Park Mall, the annual initiative that has been held since 2015, is part of Rail Park Mall and NBTS commitment to support the local community and encourage them to donate blood to relieve the national blood bank.

Rail Park Mall centre manager, Ms Bonyana Masu said seeing that February was the month of love, the mall saw it fit to partner with NBTS to host a public activation in harmony with Valentine’s Day, thus encouraging the public to be compassionate and show love by giving blood.

“As the mall, we were largely prompted by the national outcry from NBTS about blood shortage in the country hence the need to create this relaxing platform and take advantage of the masses, location and accessibility. In addition, partnering with NBTS was another way of creating the coveted opportunity to educate the masses and spread the message to our varied shoppers within a confined and relaxed sphere,” Ms Masu said.

“We believe there is a lot that needs to be done since not all citizens are aware of the importance of donating blood unless they are somehow affected directly. Despite our continuous and annual support for this initiative, the numbers were really not satisfactorily. However, we will not lose hope but rather continue to come up with different strategies to entice more potential donors to come forth until we reach our desired target.”

Rail Park Mall marketing executive, Ms Keletso Sebogodi said it was the responsibility of the mall to support local community and those that were in need.

She said through the initiative, they hoped to raise awareness and educate masses on the numerous benefits of donating blood.

“We have even made this event exciting by encouraging the public to register a group of 12 blood donors, donate blood during the stated dates, and one lucky person will stand a chance to win an all-expense paid day trip to Sun City (Valley of Waves). There’s also lots of mysterious prizes to be won too. So, do the right thing, give blood, give now, and give often,” she noted

For her part, NBTS blood donor recruiter, Ms Tumelo Ramalebang said blood donation offered many benefits to both the donor and the recipient. 

While the recipient received the specific blood type they needed to recover from illness or injury, the donor also benefits from the process as donating blood is believed to help in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as certain forms of cancer.

Ms Ramalebang said blood donated comes in handy for patients with cancer, anaemia and bleeding disorders, victims of burns, road accidents as well as during operations and deliveries.

She said other than the upcoming blood donation drive, those wishing to donate blood can do so at various blood collection centres around the country such as Gaborone, Francistown, Mahalapye, Serowe, Maun, Molepolole and Princess Marina Hospital. ENDS