Register. Tell Your Family. Be Inspired.

The PKD Foundation of Canada supports Green Shirt Day!

On April 6, 2018, Canadians were heartbroken to hear the news of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Of the 29 passengers, sixteen lost their lives, and thirteen will all bear physical and emotional scars for life.

On April 7, 2018, Humboldt Broncos defenceman Logan Boulet succumbed to his injuries. His parents, Bernadine and Toby Boulet offered to donate his organs so that six lives could live on. They did so because Logan told his parents he was registering as an organ donor and that he was inspired by his coach and mentor Ric Suggitt. Ric had passed on June 27th, 2017, and was also an organ donor who saved 6 lives.

As news spread of the organ donation by this young hockey player, it is estimated that almost 150,000 people registered to become organ donors in the days and weeks that followed. To date, this is the largest number of Canadians registering to become organ donors in Canadian History due to one event – one person.

Green Shirt Day was created to honour, remember, and recognize all the victims and families of that fatal crash, and to continue Logan’s legacy by inspiring Canadians to talk to their families and register as organ donors.

To learn more about Green Shirt Day and the Logan Boulet Effect, click here!

Be inspired to inspire

Humboldt Broncos Defenseman Logan Boulet helped 6 lives live on, and inspired a nation to register as organ and tissue donors. We can all be an inspiration by registering as organ and tissue donors, and telling our family and friends. We are Together Strong!

• Join the movement online! On April 7, become a source of inspiration and shine your greenest for Green Shirt Day.
• Register as an organ donor and tell your family your wishes.
• Hold a Green Shirt Day Event - Be a Green Shirt Day Ambassador (Ambassador Toolkit).
• Post a selfie or video that you are a registered donor and have told your family.
• Organize an online/social media registration drive with family and friends.
• Schools, business and sports teams – how to get involved.
• Wear GREEN on Green Shirt Day and tell Canadians why you’re a donor.
• Light up your neighbourhood Green – Could be your front door light, stringing GREEN lights, Yard Sign, etc. Post photos and videos!
• Hang Green Shirts from your windows/balcony.
• Encourage others to register or confirm that they are registered.
• Order an Official Green Shirt Day shirt or Hockey Jersey. Visit  https://greenshirtday2024.ourproshop.ca/
• Download Posters for printing, use the Green Shirt Day logos for your website, or create a post on social media.

Tag @greenshirtday and use the hashtags #GreenShirtDay, #LoganBouletEffect #TogetherStrong on social media.

Let’s continue to inspire one another by registering and telling our family. Register Today!

Talking points

Having a discussion about death can be difficult. Most people prefer to avoid discussing such emotionally charged topics, but this Green Sweater Day is the perfect time to do so. Start a conversation with your family with one of the following ideas.

It's very important to share your end-of-life wishes with your loved ones, including your positions and decision regarding organ and tissue donation.

Having these discussions before tragedy strikes will prove to be a gift to you, your family and friends in times of grief.

Logan had mentioned to his father his desire to donate his organs should something happen to him. Knowing Logan's wishes helped his family support his decision when tragedy struck.

Talk it over with your loved ones. Here are some ways to start a discussion about organ donation:

1. "Have you ever heard of the Logan Boulet effect? We were talking about it today at work/training. Despite his death, Logan Boulet saved the lives of 6 people by donating his organs. His story touched people so much that 100,000 people registered as organ donors..."

2. "Today is Green Sweater Day. Did you hear about Logan Boulet, who donated his organs after the Humboldt Broncos bus accident? It's a sad story that nonetheless brings a glimmer of hope, because he managed to help people despite everything..."

3. "Did you know that today, there are almost 4400 Canadians waiting for an organ transplant? A transplant can greatly improve the living conditions of a sick person..."

4. "Do we know anyone who is waiting for or has already received an organ transplant?"

Common Myths

There are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding organ and tissue donation. These myth busters are great for use on social media to educate the public and encourage organ and tissue donor registration.

MYTH:  A signed donor card is all I need to become a donor.

FACT:  Paper donor cards are no longer in use, so you must register your consent to become a donor at www.beadonor.ca or in person at ServiceOntario. Share your donation decision with your loved ones so they know your wishes.

MYTH:  I can’t be a donor; I am too old or I have existing medical conditions.

FACT:  Everyone is a potential donor regardless of age or medical condition. Even individuals with serious illnesses can sometimes be donors. Your decision to register should not be based on whether you think you would be eligible or not. All potential donors are evaluated on a medical case-by-case basis.

MYTH:  My religion will not allow for organ donation.

FACT:  All major religions support organ and tissue donation or respect an individual’s choice. If you’re unsure of your faith’s position on donation, consult with your faith leader.

MYTH:  Organ donation will delay and impact funeral plans.

FACT:  Organ and tissue donation will not delay or interfere with funeral plans. After donation, the family can carry out funeral arrangements as planned, including an open casket funeral, burial or cremation.

MYTH:  Families have to pay for the cost of organ donation.

FACT:  Donation does not come at a cost to the family. Organ and tissue donation is a gift. The costs of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario are covered by the Ministry of Health.

MYTH:  I cannot donate blood, so I cannot be an organ donor.

FACT:  The regulations for blood donation are different from those for organ and tissue donation. Even if you are not able to donate blood, you can still become an organ and tissue donor.

Learn more and register today at www.beadonor.ca.