WESTERN CAPE NEWS - January is the month when we reflect on the previous year and make New Year's resolutions. 

It's a time for new challenges and breaking old habits. 

Make blood donation one of your New Year's resolutions and commit to donating blood at least four times in 2018. 

This is a resolution that's easily achievable and you can save up to 12 people's lives with four donations!

If you accept the challenge and commit to donating four times in 2018 we will give a unique lunch bag as a token of our appreciation. 

You will receive the bag upon your fourth donation. 

Donors older than 65 will receive their lunch bag on their third donation.

Blood donation only takes 30 minutes of your time every 56 days. 

It requires you to be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh over 50kg, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle.

It does not cause you any bodily harm, since only 475ml of blood is taken, which is replaced within 24 hours. 

Please eat a substantial meal within three to four hours before you donate, and increase your fluid intake before and after donation. 

Also, please go easy on exercise after donation.

If you don't know where to go, download our app, WP Blood. It can be downloaded for free on all iOS and Android app stores. 

It will show your nearest clinic and it will also show you, in real time, what our blood stock levels are.

Make the commitment, accept the challenge and donate blood in 2018! 

* More info: SMS "Blood" to 33507 and the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service will call you back with information on where to donate. 

Donors can also call 021-507-6300, e-mail info@wpbts.org.za or visit www.wpblood.org.za. Like us on Facebook/WP Blood or follow us on Twitter/@WPBlood for interesting facts and blood stock updates.

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