Be a Donor Month Encourages Ontarians to Register as Organ and Tissue Donors

Toronto, ON – “The little things like running for the bus, and big things like pursuing a career or getting married; I never forget that I wouldn’t be doing any of this without my donor.” These words, from double lung transplant recipient and cancer survivor, Shilpa Raju, echo the sentiment of those who have received a life-saving organ or tissue donation from a selfless donor.

As Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) prepares for its annual Be a Donor Month campaign this April, the focus remains steadfast on raising awareness and promoting advocacy for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario. Throughout the month, communities across the province will unite to encourage individuals to register as organ and tissue donors, and to have meaningful conversations with their families about their wishes.

In Ontario, the need for organ and tissue donation remains great, with 1,400 people on average waiting for a life-saving organ, and thousands more in need of transformative tissue donation. Last year in Ontario, the selfless generosity of 365 deceased donors resulted in 1,152 organ transplants, while 1,853 tissue donors significantly improved the lives of thousands.

"Support for organ and tissue donation among Ontarians stands strong at 90%, yet only 35% are registered donors. Be a Donor Month is a significant opportunity for the province to come together to bridge this gap by educating and inspiring people to register, while also fostering hope, nurturing compassion, and empowering individuals to have important conversations with their loved ones."
Rebecca Cooper, Vice President, Ontario Health (Ontario Renal Network and Trillium Gift of Life Network)

How you can make a difference this Be a Donor Month

  • Register as a Donor: The more people who register to donate, the greater the chances someone on the waitlist will receive a life-saving transplant before it’s too late. You can register at beadonor.ca or in person at any ServiceOntario location.
  • Have the Conversation: When a person has both registered their consent and discussed their decision with their families, their loved ones can confidently move forward in fulfilling those wishes without doubt or uncertainty if and when the time comes.
  • Spread Awareness: Throughout Be a Donor Month, help spread the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Share information on social media, participate in advocacy events, coordinate a flag raising or mayoral declaration and encourage others to register. For more information about getting involved, please email infoLine@ontariohealth.ca.

In addition to Be a Donor Month, Ontario will join the rest of Canada in recognizing National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week from April 21 to 27. This week-long event serves as an opportunity to further educate the public about the importance of donation and transplantation and to celebrate the lives of donors and recipients.

Furthermore, April 7 marks Green Shirt Day, a day of remembrance and advocacy inspired by the legacy of Logan Boulet following the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan. Logan’s decision to register as an organ donor, and his family honouring his wishes, saved six lives through organ donation and enhanced two others through tissue donation. On this day, individuals are encouraged to wear green shirts and engage in conversations about donation, honoring Logan's decision to become a donor and the lives he saved through his selfless gift.

Stories about donation and transplantation

Donation can save, transform and enhance lives. Hear from Ontarians whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation:

Media Contact:
Ontario Health
mediainquiries@ontariohealth.ca

Last Updated: March 25, 2024