Master Crafted Miniatures doesn’t hold Black Friday sales. Instead, for the last few years, I have donated the proceeds from all sales of MCM products on that day (or the corresponding weekend) to charities which fight against blood cancer and work to improve the lives of those affected.
I started doing this because of a little boy, George, who had been fighting leukaemia for a couple of years. With the support of his family, blood donations and the wonderful staff of the NHS, he put up a heroic fight. This year, however, his family was given the terrible news that his leukaemia had returned and, later, that there was no course of action left to take.
With my own son only just over a year old, attending George’s funeral was a tough experience yet, as an event, it was incredibly positive. His short life affected so many, and I wish I had known him better myself. His parents have since begun the long process of setting up a charity to help those in George’s situation, allowing him to continue being a force for happiness through music, which he loved: George’s Rockstars.
Stories like these are too common, but there are many ways in which each of us can make a difference. Donation is the easiest way to contribute to research and support, but there are other things you can do which are just as important.
Give blood. This is crucial and very easy. Whilst you’re there, get them to test you for platelet donation, as few of us have high enough platelet counts to do this. Register as a stem cell donor. Register as a bone marrow donor. You may never be called upon but, if you are, you will be saving a life.
This year, if you buy through the MCM store from Friday 22nd to midnight on Friday 29th of November, you’ll get yourself some stuff for our funny little hobby, and the proceeds will be donated to George’s Rockstars. If I have nothing you want, please try to donate, but whatever else you do – and this will cost you nothing but your time – register:
Thank you,
Ben.