As adults, we don’t always realise how the small acts of volunteering, helping others, and giving back quietly shape the way people around us see the world. Sometimes, this small act of doing good becomes a deep passion and inspire others to do the same.
For Jackie McKille, blood donation is one of those passions that began years ago and has grown into something deeply personal.
My journey started years ago because of my grandmother, who was a volunteer with the blood service in Grahamstown. I always admired her for giving so much of her time so selflessly. Watching her made a big impression on me, and I knew I wanted to give back in my own way one day. When I went for my first blood donation, that experience sealed it for me. I remember feeling amazing afterwards. I got hooked straight away because I knew I was making a difference, and I felt proud to be making my grandmother proud, too.
Today, I’ve donated 147 units of blood, and my motivation is still the same. For me, every donation comes back to knowing that you’re helping people who really need it and that one donation can save up to three lives. That’s what keeps me coming back.
Giving back really does start at home. My fiancé always wanted to donate but thought he couldn’t because of his blood pressure medication. After speaking to a sister at a blood donation clinic, he found out he could actually donate, he just needed to declare his medication. At the beginning of 2026, I took him to a blood donation centre for his first donation, which was incredibly special for me. I’m always talking to my family about donating, telling them how many lives they could save and encouraging them whenever I can.
Sharing my passion comes naturally; I share my spark with anyone who will listen, whether it’s friends, customers, or even people on Facebook. I just want people to see how much of a difference blood donation makes. For me, donating blood has become more than just something I do its part of who I am.
