View From the Legislature

National Organ and Tissue Donors Awareness Week

  • Kelvin Goertzen, Author
  • Member of the Legislative Assembly, Steinbach

This week marks the 20th Anniversary of National Organ and Tissue Donors Awareness Week, and the 5th Anniversary of Transplant Manitoba’s online Sign Up for Life registry.

Over the next week, green landmarks and ribbons will be seen across Canada, honouring donors and donor families who have given the gift of life, the gift of hope, and to recognize the thousands of patients in need of a transplant, and those who have died waiting. This year alone 4,600 Canadians are in need of an organ transplant and more than 250 Canadians will die while on waiting lists.

To date, over 19,000 Manitobans have registered for SignupforLife.ca. To mark the 20th anniversary, Transplant Manitoba is looking to see that number reach 20,000 registrants, please visit the website and sign up for life as a donor and tell your friends and loved ones. The Gift of Life is the ultimate act of generosity and I encourage Manitobans to discuss organ and tissue decisions with your family, and then register their intent to donate at SignupforLife.ca to make your wishes known.

The Province of Manitoba salutes the many Manitobans and Canadians who continue to volunteer their time throughout the year, to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.