There are nearly 1,500 Ontarians waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, and every three days, one of them dies – simply because there are not enough registered organ and tissue donors.
But hundreds of Trillium Gift of Life Network’s volunteers have surpassed all expectations for this year’s National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week.
More than 160 Life for 1,500 events were held in recognition of the nearly 1,500 men, women, and children currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
Many volunteers gave generously of their time and resources.
“I always felt that volunteers were at the heart of our organization and today I personally want to extend my heartfelt thanks to them. Life for 1,500 could not have been a success without their dedication,” said Frank Markel, president and chief executive officer of Trillium Gift of Life Network.
“Their efforts are certainly helping us spread the message about the need for organ and tissue donation and why it’s so important for Ontarians to register their consent to donate.
“It saves and enhances lives,” added Markel.
People can register their consent to donate organs and tissue by visiting the local ServiceOntario centre where they register or renew their health cards. They can also register by downloading and filling out a Gift of Life consent form from www.giftoflife.on.ca and mailing it to the address on the form.
Those who have already signed a donor card, should also register that decision so the information is accessible when needed, and tell their family about that decision.
For more details on Trillium Gift of Life Network, visit the website or call toll free 1-800-263-2833.
Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the government of Ontario and is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating, and supporting organ and tissue donation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.
