Have you ever thought how many people would be dead if only people who gave blood could receive blood. I appreciate that there are certain people with old illnesses and such that cannot. I also appreciate that the vain people of this world who decide on having regular tattoos also can opt out. Something to do with potential blood poisoning. So next time you see an advert for giving blood have a little think. You get a free healthcheck before you give blood which could save your life. They do not want to give any old diseased stuff to the needy. When you see major incidents on the telly when people require multiple transfusions,there is not a machine out of the back of the hospital that makes the stuff, it is usually from people who are prepared to share his/her blood with somebody they will never meet. Potentially saving their life. Could you in your life say that. As for the religious excuses,well I'm sorry I have just got to have a little sad chuckle. This is the 21st Century,something you believe in from so many years ago will condemn you AND others because the belief you pass on to your children will be passed on/indoctrinated so as to leave no doubt that what you say is gospel/right.I give blood to help my fellow man/woman whatever colour, religion, country of origin, criminal record, size shape or political persuasion. That is the ultimate in PC. By the way most companies do not mind you taking time off to give blood, that is how I started in my yoof, at BT. I calculated that given 1 hour per year to give blood I have the equivalent of a week off.