Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services
VICTORIA - As families and friends gather together this holiday season, the B.C. government is encouraging everyone to take the simple step of registering their decision to become an organ donor, because there is no gift more precious than the gift of life.
It only takes a moment to join the 34,197 British Columbians who have answered the call since Service BC and BC Transplant launched their unique awareness partnership this past April.
Friendly staff at all 62 Service BC centres in communities throughout the province now provide information on organ donation and help residents register their decision on-site. Those with online access can also register at: www.transplant.bc.ca
The process is simple, confidential and registering may well be the reason someone waiting for an organ transplant can celebrate the holidays with their family this time next year.
"As I gather with the people I cherish in my life this holiday season, I know that someone will have that same opportunity in the future because I have signalled my intent to become an organ donor. I hope other British Columbians will also consider giving the gift of life to someone who so desperately needs it," said Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services, Amrik Virk.
Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan, Greg Kyllo says, "Registering as an organ donor is one of the best ways to celebrate the season of giving because there truly is no better gift than the gift of life."
Dr. David Landsberg, medical lead, BC Transplant quoted, "The impact of organ donation goes far beyond the individual patient who receives a transplant; each recipient's family, friends and community all benefit from one organ donor's tremendous gift. BC Transplant would like to encourage every British Columbian to register their decision on organ donation and share their wishes with their loved ones."
Hopeful liver transplant recipient, Tony Maidment said,
"Speaking from experience, I can say that a new liver would absolutely change my life. I encourage all British Columbians to think about how they can give back, after they are no longer living. From death can come the gift of life - and that gift will make you a hero for those chronically ill people, like me, who are waiting for an organ transplant."