UK churches called to rethink generosity

• Watch campaign teaser here

A groundbreaking new campaign was launched today specificallycalling on the church to increase the number of blood and organdonors in the UK. Founded as a two-year partnership betweencreative agency KORE and NHS Blood and Transplant, the initiativeaims to profile the need for more blood and organ donors andencourage regular blood donation as an alternative way of personalgiving within churches. 
 
Sponsored by Give.net and in association with denominations,organisations and festivals including the Church of England,Salvation Army, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, BaptistUnion, Hope and Evangelical Alliance, the fleshandbloodcampaign marks the first time the NHS has worked alongside theChurches on a national initiative of this kind.

Lorna Williamson, Medical Director of NHSBT says, "All majorfaith groups support donation in the spirit of giving and we'reexcited to explore this in more detail by working with theChristian Church. By raising awareness amongst its members andcommunity about the daily need for blood transfusions and organtransplants across the NHS, we hope to banish myths, educate peopleand encourage blood and organ donation.  Donating blood,joining the Organ Donor Register, or consenting to organ donationfrom a deceased loved one is a unique gift and one that can trulysave lives."

Every day 7,000 units of blood are needed to meet hospitaldemand, with approximately 225,000 extra blood donors needed eachyear to maintain consistency. More than 1,000 people die each yearin the UK waiting for an organ transplant. The Church, which has along history of giving and generosity and has millions of peopleacross the country as its members, is ideally placed to raiseawareness and help to meet the need for blood and organ donation inthe UK.

This unique campaign seeks to equip individuals and churches asadvocates for blood and organ donation enabling them to raiseawareness of this key issue with their family, friends andcommunity and potentially help to save thousands of lives eachyear.

The Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the MethodistChurch, said: "It is impossible to overstate the vital importanceof blood and organ donation. Quite simply, without such generoussacrifices, many in Britain would not enjoy the health they have,or even survive. Many of us know and cherish a person who's lifehas been transformed through the life-giving gifts donated to them.I believe that God calls us all to live generously with all that weare and all that we have. Blood donation especially is a simple butprecious way that many people can fulfil that calling."

By joining together to supportfleshandblood, the campaignassociates play a vital role in representing the church andenabling a collaborative voice on the issue within theircommunities and networks. Each associate commits to raising theprofile of blood and organ donation and highlighting the variousways that individuals and groups can get involved at a locallevel. 

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1. Campaign images can be downloaded here.