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Greetings, all. I went to donate blood today at my local Red Cross facility like I do every two months, and, of course, the phrase "Blood for the blood god!" sprang into my head.

Then, I thought of a bunch of 40k nerds bellowing that after donating blood (or a suitable alteration; blood for the blood cross? I dunno), and maybe getting some special T-shirts, and I laughed. 'Cause, come on.

So, if you were going to a tourney, would you donate blood? Any tourney organizers think this is a good idea?

Discuss!

I actually think that sounds like an amazing idea. Funny and good from everyone!

Anyone who used to play the old DE models with the pointy bits has been doing this for years heheh

I think its a great idea. It would be an awesome charitable donation. Offer something to those who donate for the tourny. A free tournment shirt, discount/refund on tournment fees, ect. Most events big events do some kind of charitable donation so why not something that is free for a person to give?

I would donate blood.. but I know a few people who wouldn't make it to the table for games after giving blood. I'd say a good idea lol

Maybe after the tournaments , but definitely not before. 40k is already a tiring thing to do.

Awesome idea.

Good idea! Donating blood helps many people, and the encouragement of donating is always welcome.

 pizzaguardian wrote:
Maybe after the tournaments , but definitely not before. 40k is already a tiring thing to do.

Planning would be required for sure as people need some time to recover but the real problem comes in the bar later that night

Yeah I would. Though I would probably do plasma instead.

Awesome idea. Now you've gotta do something about it

PapaSoul wrote:
Awesome idea. Now you've gotta do something about it

I don't go to tourneys (nor have I even played 40k/Fantasy in like a year and a half), so that may be problematic.

It might be a great way to publicize both events, actually. Organize a blood drive and a tournament at the same time, so the givers and their family can walk around an area within sight of the tables, with a display case of a painting competition.

Deodorant mandatory.

I think in theory this is cool. However, I'm not sure in practice. I see several areas of concern:

1. You are not supposed to lift a lot for a little with the arm used to give blood. While individual models are not that big of a deal, whole armies and displays start to add up.

2. The time it takes to give blood, number of tables and technicians required could be prohibitive when accounting for time requirements. Timing of rounds can be a problem with a large influx of people in short time frames. I do not think a blood drive could manage this and keep to a tournament schedule.

3. Alcohol consumption. We are like to party at events. Not the best thing to include with donating blood.

I am trying to be more of a realist. After giving nearly six gallons of blood over the years, I can see these issues impacting the overall success of the drive. If you could tie something into the tournament where attendees show blood was given in the past week or two are awarded bonus points, that could be an option. Just some food for thought.

I think that's a great idea. I've been meaning to give blood for the whole 2 years I've been able to and just never got round to it so if I was at a tournament and there was a booth I'd jump at the chance.

In practice it would have to be really well planned out.

Interesting concept as a MLT I think that it could be done, but would be have to be limited to whole blood since the collection can be done in 8-15 mins. provided there are no complications. Plasma and platelets can take up to 2 hours to do.

The lifting afterwards could be problematic.

I think if you are going to make it work, do 3 things:

Do it for Friday night of a Multiday event, so people can donate right after arrival at the venue.

Have people preregister for donations so they can accurately forecast staffing.

Do not tie it to points, because not everyone is able to donate, for example gay men cannot donate, or gotten ink or piercings recently(Varies in some states). I think though if there is an alternate option available to earn those same points. Like donating a $20 gift for Toys for Tots or something.

Agreed on the inability to donate front (I'm in that camp due to medications). I'd happily throw some money toward the Red Cross in exchange for the opportunity to play. Of course I'd have an advantage over those who could donate, not being woozy and all...


Hey, I know; how about showing some sort of proof you donated in order to get in. That would circumvent the problems associated with donations at the time of the event.

*Edited to add idea.*

Disclaimer: I'm new and have never been to a tournament, but have been to plenty of both blood drives and also public events that include blood drives, so am basing my answer off that

I wouldn't like it. Mostly because at events like this there is a lot of pressure to do it, and I don't like needles, and hate the people who walk around and pressure everyone to do it and if everyone else in your group does it you get labeled a bad person

I DO like the other posters' suggestion of having an equivalent money donation option instead for those who can't donate or just don't want to.

Don't know about the tshirts tho, from what I've seen most people throw them away or never wear them... not sure what else you could offer tho?