I began donating blood when I was 17 years old. I was working at the NZ Post Office in Thames and our Manager encouraged us all to give blood. This is something he had done for many years. At first I thought it would be good to have time away from work, get paid for it and receive some yummy biscuits and a cuppa but after giving blood that first time, that became insignificant as I felt like I had achieved something great. So over the years I have continued giving blood and encouraged others to do the same. As my blood type is not a common one, I have on a couple of occasions been phoned requesting I give blood for a needy person requiring my blood type - very special!