WORLD NEWS – CANADA: Canada continues to lag behind other developed nations in organ and tissue donation, with only 28% of Canadians currently registered as donors, according to Michael Raymond Hill, CEO of the David Foster Foundation. As April marks Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month, Hill emphasized the urgent need for national awareness and education to improve these numbers and save lives.
The David Foster Foundation, founded 39 years ago after a life-changing encounter involving a young transplant patient in the U.S., works to raise awareness and support for families undergoing pediatric organ transplants. Inspired by a young girl’s wish to see her sister before surgery, David Foster made a commitment to ensure no family would be separated or unsupported during such critical moments.
A key initiative promoted by the foundation is the campaign urging Canadians to “Just take two minutes and you can save a life,” pointing to the ease of online registration. Hill highlighted that one organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of up to 75 others. Despite this, over 4,000 Canadians remain on transplant waitlists, with five people dying each week due to donor shortages.
The foundation advocates not only for registration but also for open conversations with family members to ensure donors’ wishes are honored. Canadians are encouraged to visit davidfosterfoundation.com to learn how to register in their province and access resources for both giving and receiving support.
