London Knights & the Kidney Foundation of Canada Team up to Take on Organ Donation
Published on March 5, 2015 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
London Knights News Release
The London Knights Hockey Club has partnered with The Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Cherry family and the Multi-Organ Transplant Program at London Health Sciences Centre to promote greater awareness about organ and tissue donation. Together, all parties involved aim to educate hockey fans about organ donation in Canada and encourage those listening to register as an organ donor.
Colourful Canadian hockey legend Don Cherry will help kick-off the campaign on Thursday, March 12th, World Kidney Day, as the Knights take on the visiting Kitchener Rangers at 7:00PM at Budweiser Gardens. Don will be introduced at opening ceremonies and will encourage those in attendance to "Play It Forward, Don't Sit On the Bench & Register To Be An Organ Donor Today."
The Kidney Foundation of Canada realizes that organ donation is a point of concern in our country. Canada was once a world leader in organ donation, but has recently seen a large decrease, and now ranks 23rd in the world in deceased organ donation rates. Over 4,600 Canadians are waiting for an organ donation - 75% of them are waiting for a kidney. Almost 40% of Canadians waiting for a kidney transplant will never get one, or die waiting.
Dr. Norman Muirhead, Incoming President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada's Southwestern Ontario Chapter, and Clinical nephrologist at London Health Sciences Centre explains the impact that this partnership may have. " This is an exciting initiative by the London Knights," says Muirhead. "Patients in our community and beyond, who are served by the transplant program in London, stand to benefit greatly from increased donor registration and recognition. This is an important example to set for others to follow."
The London Knights Hockey Club recognizes the importance of organ donation in Canada and is proud to kick-start a campaign The Kidney Foundation of Canada hopes will go National in 2016. The Knights hope the partnership with The Kidney Foundation of Canada will reach out to hockey fans and educate them on organ donation with the goal of finally changing these statistics for the better.
Fans can support the cause by filling out their donation form, attached to their seat at the game on Thursday, March 12th, and depositing it in the ballot box outside section 110. Those not attending the game on Thursday can also go online to www.BeADonor.ca/LondonKnights . Join the London Knights, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, and the Multi-Organ Transplant Program at London Health Sciences Centre and sign up to be an organ donor today.
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