Today, Flowstars, our clients and friends tapped into their inner heroes by taking part in our second blood drive. 23 units in total were collected.
Our last blood drive took place in honour of Mandela Day, and we’ve decided to get into the habit of holding them on a regular basis.
The turn-out was amazing! With couches and foosball tables pushed to one side in the Flow playroom, smiling participants took to the stretchers brought in by the South African National Blood Service to make their donations.
While Flow writer Kate Rau happily completed her seventh donation, today was an especially big day for Flowstar Zintle Mtyeku.
“I’ve been poked not once, not twice but three times today in an effort to find the right vein and give blood, and I’m still standing,” she reports.
“People wonder why I stuck around! Although my sessions are usually slower than others, I understand the importance of giving blood and I’ll do it again next time. They just need to bring smaller needles next time for people with tiny veins like me.” Now that’s a brave Flowstar… BraveStar?
Says Kate, “I’m really proud of Alex [Cowling, Flow programmer] and Zintle. Alex was really scared and did it anyway – that’s awesome – and Zints didn’t have such a great time of it last time but still came back! I’m really proud of my blood sisters.”
Flow designer George Xafis had a massive smile on his face after receiving a small gold pin in honor of his fifth time donating blood.
“It’s really cool to know that I can save lives just by sharing my blood,” says George.
First-time donors received certificates printed with the words “No Chicken Award” to commend their bravery. Flow writing studio manager Colin Ford has already stuck his proudly above his desk.
At lunch time, a group of stars from Etana, one of Flow’s favourite clients, arrived ready to pull up their sleeves and brave those needles, as did representatives from Federal Mogul, one of Flow PR’s favourite clients – good-on-you Etanans and Federal Mogul for showing such spirit! A big thank you to everyone – awesome clients and friends – who came through to show your support!
Says Etanan Keegan Govender, “We were asked yesterday and a bunch of us decided to come through. I’m here to save a person’s life.”
Etanan Elmarie Ingram also popped by to show her support and make a donation. “I’ve done it before,” she explains, “and for me it’s about renewing life at the end of the day. I encourage everyone to make themselves a part of saving other people’s lives.”
Every drop is more precious than you may realise! Here are the facts:
❤ Eight out of 10 people will need blood or blood products at some stage in their lives
❤ One out of 10 patients in hospital needs a blood transfusion – an average of three donations are transfused to a patient
❤ Blood is needed for patients involved in accidents, patients with cancer, leukemia or bleeding disorders such as haemophilia
❤ Many surgical procedures would not be possible without the availability of blood
❤ Blood is also needed sometimes during or following childbirth
Keep an eye on our blog for the date of our next blood drive and do your bit! Your donation could give someone a new lease on life.
What an inspirational start to the weekend!
Below are a few photos taken at our blood drive…
