Last April, Canadians rallied together in support of the victims, survivors and families of the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Many people took part by putting out hockey sticks at home, work and school, and wearing their jerseys. This year, the family of Logan Boulet is holding the first annual national Green Shirt Day in honour of their son and the Broncos family, and to increase awareness about the importance of organ donation. Green Shirt Day is officially Sunday, April 7, but the Department of Health and Wellness are asking workplaces and schools to consider participating on Monday, April 8.
Before Logan Boulet was fatally injured in the Broncos bus crash, he had registered his decision to be an organ donor and discussed his wishes with his family. The 21-year old defenceman went on to save six lives with his generous gifts. In the weeks that followed, Logan’s story inspired more than 100,000 Canadians to become registered organ donors. This became known as the “Logan Boulet Effect”. Now, the Boulet family would like that legacy to continue through an annual Green Shirt Day (greenshirtday.ca, #GreenShirtDay).
They hope you will join them in this movement of hope and inspiration by wearing green or a hockey jersey on April 8. They have provided a Green Shirt Day toolkit with some important resources and information. Together, we can change the culture of organ donation in this province.
PEI’s Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Manager is available to come and speak at your workplace, school, or community group. Community outreach is part of our mandate and this includes presentations and participation at various events throughout the year. If you need additional supporting materials, they are happy to work with you directly on this important initiative.
If you have any additional questions, The Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Manager, Angela Carpenter, can be contacted at adcarpenter@ihis.orgor 902-368-5920. We hope to see your workplaces in green on April 8!