Election day is around the corner and political parties are furiously campaigning for one more vote at the poles. A new political candidate has entered the hotly contested race. Representing the Western Cape Blood Service, Blood Buddy isn’t interested in your vote – he wants your blood!

“My name is Blood Buddy and I’m here to get you to donate blood. I don’t want your land, I don’t care about your clever slogans, promises or even the Guptas,” said the crimson candidate at his inaugural campaign press conference. Things that do matter to Blood Buddy are that donors need to be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh over 50kg, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle.

“Now is as good a time to come together as a people and care for your fellow South African. So, donate blood and make a difference. Together with the Western Cape Blood Service, we’ll aim to guarantee 100% of people requiring blood in the Western Cape will have their needs met, ensure easily accessible venues for blood donors, make sure blood is stored appropriately, continue our drives to recruit new blood donors and strive to educate children, teens and adults on the benefits of donating blood.”

As part of his manifesto, Blood Buddy promised juice and biscuits to everyone who donates blood. This he said, was to ensure they leave feeling well and happy to return. When asked if this was bribery, he shrugged the reporter off with an indecisive headshake.

Bloody Buddy ended his speech with a plea to every South African, “Do something remarkable and donate blood so we can make a difference, one drop at a time.”

For more information on how you can save a life, SMS “Blood” to 33507, call WCBS on 021 507 6300, e-mail info@wcbs.org.za or visit www.wcbs.org.za. Blood stock updates and interesting facts about donation can be found on Facebook (@TheWCBS), Twitter (@The_WCBS) and Instagram (@thewcbs) accounts.