Noordhoek Farm Village is pleased to announce the blood donation schedule for 2011 at the village and encourage you to diarise the annual dates and be a HERO and donate blood.

We have been working with the WP Blood Transfusion Service for over a year and they are always desperate for more blood!

At the time of writing this they only have enough blood for 5 more days.

2011 BLOOD DONATION DATES AT NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE:

Friday 16 September 2011

Friday 18 November 2011

All blood bus visits will be held at the same time and venue.

TIME: 10h30 - 14h00.

VENUE: Blood Bus, Noordhoek Farm Village. (You can't miss it - it's a BIG RED BUS!)

The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) and Noordhoek Farm Village are trying to create awareness about blood donation and the need for safe blood across South Africa. Please make an effort to donate your blood and encourage friends and family to be a part of this blood drive.

Those eligible to donate blood must be older than 17 and younger than 65 years, weigh more than 50kg's and lead a healthy and safe lifestyle. Donors must also please remember to eat before donating blood. There are 3 restaurants and a deli at Noordhoek Farm Village - Cafe Roux, The Foodbarn (Deli & Restaurant) and the Toad in the Village, where you can get a meal before or after donating.

For more information, SMS "Blood" to 33507 and the WPBTS will call back with information on where to donate. Alternatively call (021) 507 6300, email info@wpbts.org.za or visit www.wpblood.org.za

TOP 10 REASONS TO GIVE BLOOD

10. You will get free juice and cookies.

9. You will weigh less — one pint less when you leave than when you came in.

8. It's easy and convenient — it only takes about an hour and you can make the donation at a donor center, or at one of the many Red Cross mobile blood drives.

7. It's something you can spare — most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.

6. Nobody can ask you to do any heavy lifting as long as you have the bandage on. You can wear it for as long as you like. It's your badge of honor.

5. You will walk a little taller afterwards — you will feel good about yourself.

4. You will be helping to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.

3. It's something you can do on equal footing with the rich and famous — blood is something money can't buy. Only something one person can give to another.

2. You will be someone's hero — you may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother, or a sister another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation.

1. It's the right thing to do.

TOP 10 REASONS WHY PEOPLE DON’T DONATE BLOOD:

1. I don't like needles / I am scared of needles / I am afraid to give blood

Nearly everyone feels that way at first. However, most donors will tell you that you feel only a slight initial pinch, and 7-10 minutes later, you are finished and headed for the canteen. If you take the time (and courage) to make one donation, you'll wonder why you ever hesitated.

2. I am too busy

The entire process takes about an hour, and the actual blood donation time is only 7-10 minutes. If you stop to think that an hour of your time could mean a lifeline for a premature baby, someone with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, or someone who's had an accident, you might decide that you can make the time to give the gift of life.

3. No-one ever asked me… I didn't realize my blood was needed

Consider yourself asked! There is simply no other way to supply the blood needs of hospital patients but for the generous donations of people like you.

4. I already gave this year

You can give every 56 days. Many donors give 5 times a year!

5. I am afraid I'll get AIDS

It is not possible to get AIDS by donating blood to the WPBTS. A new sterile needle is used for each donor and discarded afterwards.

6. My blood isn't the right type

Every type of blood is needed daily to meet patient needs. If you have a common blood type, there are many patients who need it, so it is in high demand. If you have a less common blood type, there are fewer donors available to give it, so it is in short supply.

7. I don't have any blood to spare

The average adult body has 10-12 pints of blood. Doctors say that healthy adults may give regularly because the body quickly replaces the blood you donate.

8. I don't want to feel weak afterward

Donating blood should not affect adversely a healthy adult because your body has plenty of blood. You will donate less than one pint, and your body, which constantly makes new blood, will replace the donated volume within 24 hours. Most people continue their usual activities after donating.

9. They won't want my blood (I am too old / I've had an illness)

If you have doubts, check with your physician. The qualified staff on duty at a blood drive or donor center will also review your medical history with you. There are a great many medical conditions that do not prevent you from donating blood, or may have done so only temporarily in the past. If you are under 65, your blood is welcome!

10. I have a rare blood type, so I'll wait until there is a special need

Blood that is rare or special is almost always in short supply. There is a constant need for these blood types in order to avoid having to recruit specific blood types in a crisis.