Western Cape – 4 May 2026: The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is calling on the public to prioritise blood donation during winter a time when supply is traditionally under strain. While winter often leads to a decline in blood donations, the hospital demand for blood remains constant.
“Winter is one of the most difficult periods for maintaining a stable blood supply as a result of colds and flu, and school holidays,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS. “When donation levels drop, it places a strain on our stock and ultimately affects patients who depend on blood every day. This is why we are encouraging donors to remain consistent throughout winter, rather than delaying or skipping donations.”
A single blood donation takes approximately 30 minutes and can save up to three lives. However, only a small percentage of eligible individuals donate regularly, making donor retention and consistency particularly important during high-risk periods such as winter.
WCBS is therefore appealing to both existing donors and first-time donors to respond to the call to action by donating blood and, importantly, committing to ongoing donations throughout the winter months. By continuing to donate regularly, donors help WCBS maintain a stable and sufficient blood supply to meet ongoing hospital needs.
In addition to encouraging blood donation, WCBS continues to drive its Extra Drop Initiative, which gives donors the opportunity to extend their contribution beyond the donation itself. Through this initiative, donors may choose that WCBS donate R15 to the selected charitable organisations, thereby amplifying their support for vulnerable communities across the Western Cape. For more information on this project click here.
The new beneficiaries from May – August are:
- Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women’s Centre, supporting vulnerable women and children through empowerment programmes and essential services.
- St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care, providing specialised medical care and rehabilitation for children with complex health conditions.
Blood donation centres across the Western Cape are open and ready to welcome donors. If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. Donors are advised to eat a substantial meal within three to four hours before visiting a clinic and to increase their fluid intake before, during, and after donation. Blood donation only takes 30 minutes of your time and you can donate blood every 56 days.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, please visit www.wcbs.org.za, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.
Do something remarkable: donate blood.
Distributed by the Western Cape Blood Service
Public Relations Manager – Marike Carli
0718563625 | marike@wcbs.org.za
About the Western Cape Blood Service:
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is a non-profit regional health organisation, dedicated to collecting blood from voluntary blood donors, and providing the safest blood products and efficient service to the community, while operating at the highest professional and ethical standards and remaining a viable organisation. WCBS works without prejudice to supply safe blood and blood products to all communities in the region, from Cape Town all the way up to George. It’s our goal to deliver a world-class blood service in the Western Cape.
