For most us, winter is a season of comfort — snuggling under blankets, sipping warm soups, and enjoying the warmth of home. But for the WCBS, it’s a season filled with challenges, for which we often require a mighty hero to step up. As the temperature drops, so do blood donations, which could then lead to critically low stocks in blood collection. Yet, it’s heart warming — we have many donors whose blood donation journeys often begin in the coldest months.
Liesle De Kock
I started donating in winter after receiving a message that blood stocks are (critically low) I prefer donating during the colder months as this is when blood stocks are at its lowest.
My father was anaemic in his younger years. He became a donor and inspired me to start donating.
I believe that this lifesaving act might give someone who is on the brink of death, another chance, which makes this small effort so incredibly worthwhile. I have also registered as an organ and marrow donor to help save lives.
The WCBS team is a magnificent bunch of people. They are friendly and they always go the extra mile to make me feel comfortable.
Sonia Grunewald
I started donating blood back when I was in high school. I remember it was during the winter months, and it was so cold and rainy. My friend, influenced me to start donating blood, citing the importance of it and the impact it has on lives.
I knew I had to do my part and it quickly became a habit. Once I began working, donating blood became second nature.
My company would organise for our team to donate blood at the Long Street donation centre, and the camaraderie during those trips made it feel like a special outing. Over time, the group of donors grew so large that we started our own blood donation at our office. It became a routine, a part of my life that I was determined not to miss.
After I left that company, donating blood remained ingrained in my routine. I started setting goals for myself, aiming to donate at least four times a year. I even coordinated my dentist and tattoo appointments around my donation dates to ensure I could donate regularly. As the years passed, I set bigger milestones, such as reaching 50 donations and then 100, which I proudly achieved in late 2023.
Last year, I took my commitment a step further by starting to donate plasma. While it takes more time than donating blood, the fact that I can do it every two weeks is what motivates me. The more I donate, the more people I can help. Each donation feels like a contribution to saving lives.
The friendly faces at the N1 City donation centre, the delicious cookies, and the thoughtful appreciation gifts are just bonuses that make the experience even more rewarding. Above all, I believe you only truly understand the importance of blood and organ donors when you or a loved one faces a life-threatening situation that requires a donation. That realization fuels my determination to continue donating, knowing that every contribution counts and could make all the difference to someone in need.
Norman Jobson
My journey as a blood donor began during the winter months, over 60 years ago, when a mobile clinic visited the University of Cape Town campus. Those early experience laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to saving lives.
Throughout the years, I’ve been fortunate that winter coughs and colds rarely interfered with my donations, allowing me to give consistently. As my journey progressed, I transitioned to donating platelets and, eventually, plasma. This shift enabled me to donate much more frequently, and with dedication, I reached the incredible milestone of 300 donations—a deeply satisfying achievement.
I owe much of this success to the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) staff, who have always been competent, supportive, and friendly throughout my many years of donating.
Their professionalism and care have made my journey not only possible but truly rewarding.
To those just starting out or considering becoming donors, don’t let the cold weather deter you, know that every donation counts, and your commitment can make a profound difference.
