HEALTH REPORTER
MASVINGO-The National Blood Service Zimbabwe, Masvingo branch last Saturday hosted the first Ladies gala for 2023 where the center collected 86 pints of the targeted 100, The Midweek Watch can reveal.
This year’s galas for both men and ladies are being held under the theme ‘Delight in Saving Lives’.
Michael Chakoma who is the Masvingo branch planning and recruitment manager said they were very encouraged by the turn out as they approach the Easter holidays where blood could be in high demand due to accidents as most Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“The Ladies Gala we recently held is part of the Pledge 25 Club Zimbabwe blood drives. Our target for the center was 100 units, but we got 86 units on the day.
“In 2022 we had a yearly target of 200 units for the ladies and we held two Ladies Gala events in April and August and collected 169 units of blood. As we prepare for Easter we have already held very successful Pledge 25 Club blood drives at Mutenderende (in Chirumhanzu) Mpandawana(in Gutu) Gwindingwi( Nyika). Today we are at the Pavilion in Mashava
Under the Pledge 25 initiative which started in Zimbabwe but has since spread to other regional countries, the Men Splash was held on March 3 2023 at Masvingo Center and attracted 138 donors against a target of 150, added Chakoma.
Catherine Runesu donating blood during the Ladies’ Gala at Masvingo Center on Saturday last week.
Catherine Runesu who was accompanied by her younger sister Pretty Runesu said she was donating blood for the 16th time.
“I was inspired by my sister Pretty who started donating a long time ago and it feels good to give the gift of life.
“I would like to urge all those eligible to donate who have not started doing so to come and donate blood,” said Catherine.
Pretty was bleeding for the 27th time said she will continue to donate blood as long as is possible.
