Zimpapers Logo

Martha Leboho Masvingo Correspondent
The National Blood Service Zimbabwe is targeting 740 units of blood from registered members of the Pledge 25 Club in Masvingo province ahead of the festive season. This emerged during the “Be the One Campaign” launched in Masvingo last week to encourage more people to donate blood.

The campaign was initiated by Real Madrid and Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a well-known blood donor. The two-day campaign raised 280 units of blood from the members and 18 members were turned down due to low iron levels or for being underweight. Speaking at the event, NBSZ planning and recruitment officer Mr Michael Chakoma urged people to donate blood ahead of the festive season.

“We are targeting 740 units of blood from our registered members from the Pledge 25 Club, and also others from adult walk-in donors. Last year, we got 920 units of blood from members and non-members during the same period,” he said.

Pledge 25 Club was initiated in 1994 in Masvingo and has since spread to 65 countries. The club consists of youths between 16 and 30 years, with members pledging to donate blood 25 times before the age of 30.

emale members are expected to donate blood three times a year while their male counterparts are expected to do so four times.

“The campaign is running in the province till December 18 and we are targeting our members from Mashava, Triangle, Zaka, Hippo Valley, Chivi and Chiredzi,” said Mr Chakoma.