There’s something about Orientation Week that just feels like a fresh start. Campuses come alive with new energy as students step into a new chapter, forming connections and shaping the experiences that will define their journey. For us, it’s also a valuable opportunity to be present at the very start of that journey, introducing the idea that giving blood can become part of a young person’s lifestyle from day one.
This year, our teams visited several universities and colleges where we host regular blood donation clinics, ensuring that we were part of those important first days on campus. Our focus was to connect with students, answer questions, and build awareness around blood donation in a way that feels accessible and relevant.
Engaging young donors is essential to the long-term sustainability of the blood supply. As older existing donors become less active over time, new donors are needed to maintain a consistent and reliable supply of blood products. By reaching students early, we are not only encouraging first-time donations but also fostering a culture of regular donations that strengthens the donor base for years to come.
To support these conversations, we created an interactive experience that combined education with a bit of fun. Our claw machine made its way to UCT, UWC, and CPUT in District Six, drawing strong interest from students across all campuses. Before taking a turn at the machine, participants were asked a few quick questions about blood donation. It turned into a mix of laughs, learning, and a few “wait, I didn’t know that!” moments.
The activation proved to be an effective entry point for conversation, with over 600 students expressing interest in becoming blood donors and signing up to receive more information about upcoming clinics.
As the academic year gets underway, we look forward to welcoming many of these students at our upcoming on-campus blood donation clinics and to continuing the important work of securing a sustainable blood supply for the Western Cape.
