New Apostolic Church in Kempton Park Hosts Youth-Led Blood Drive to Save Lives

The New Apostolic Church Kempton Park North recently hosted a blood drive, continuing its community service initiative aimed at saving lives. The event, held on November 23, is part of a two-year effort to encourage community members to give back, particularly to those in need of blood donations due to medical emergencies.

James Chinangwa, a youth leader at the church, explained the initiative’s purpose. The project was designed to help people suffering from medical conditions and to inspire participants to think of others. “We started this initiative to give back to the community in any way we could. We chose a blood drive because many people suffer from medical conditions and struggle to access blood donations,” Chinangwa said.

Attendance at the blood drives has sometimes been lower than expected, but Chinangwa emphasized the importance of participation. “Even if only one person donates, three people’s lives can be saved. That’s better than nothing, and it motivates us to continue,” he said.

Gregory Pritchard, a church director and regular blood donor, welcomed the convenience of hosting the drive at the church. “As Christians, we should not only pray or provide welfare, but also take tangible action to help people,” Pritchard said. He noted that blood is often in short supply, especially during December due to road accidents and high demand.

The blood drive, led by the church’s youth, supports the community beyond the congregation. In the past, the church has hosted initiatives to feed the homeless. The current blood drive takes place after Sunday services, making it accessible to a larger number of participants. Donations are open to everyone, not only church members.

Pritchard, who donates every three months, expressed hope that the recipients would benefit from his donation. “What the church is doing is a positive way of giving back and helping those in need,” he said.

The church plans to continue hosting the blood drives, aiming to save as many lives as possible and inspire the wider community to give back. The initiative reflects the church’s commitment to community service and its belief in taking tangible action to help those in need.

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