"This number compares well to the 32794 who donated blood at fixed donor centres during the 2012 drive. The significance of this annual event is the major contribution it makes to bolster the country's blood reserves, in advance of the high-demand December holiday season," said group marketing executive of Tiauto, Joe du Plooy.
Approximately one unit of blood (480ml) was taken from each donor and each donation has the potential to save up to three lives.
"When viewed in this light, it's really quite remarkable how great a difference this blood drive can potentially make. And making a difference is exactly why Tiger Wheel & Tyre has been a long-term supporter of the SANBS and a proud partner of this annual blood drive," du Plooy added.
The company encouraged blood donations, using in-store and online marketing, as well as PR, a reward mechanism and a competition to incentivise donors. Everyone who donated blood at a SANBS or WPBTS site during September received a voucher for free wheel balancing, redeemable at any Tiger Wheel & Tyre store. In addition, donors could sms the word TIGER and their blood unit number to a competition line, for a chance to win Tiger Wheel & Tyre gift cards.
First prize winner was Lawrence Bouwer who won a R5,000 gift card. Matsiedi Malebatso won the second prize of a R3,000 gift card and Thabang Ratale took third place and a R1,000 gift card.
"We are immensely pleased with the outcome of the blood drive and extend our sincere gratitude to the tens of thousands of selfless individuals who donated blood.
"That said, I want to appeal to all South African motorists to drive extra cautiously and courteously this festive season. Yes, it's great that we have the extra blood supplies on hand, but it would be greater still if they were hardly needed at all for road accident victims this year," concluded du Plooy.
The September Blood Drive is officially over, but the SANBS and WPBTS are always in need of blood donations. To find out how and where you can donate blood, make a difference and save lives, go the SANBS website at www.sanbs.org.za and the WPBTS website at www.wpblood.org.za.
