March 3, 2023 (LETHBRIDGE, AB) The fifth annual Green Shirt Day is five weeks away. Leading up to Green Shirt Day on April 7, the Canadian Transplant Association, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Canadian Blood Services and Canada’s organ and tissue donation community are asking Canadians to take the time to consider organ and tissue donation, find out how to register in their province or territory, and to have a conversation about it.
Today, the family of Logan Boulet and Green Shirt Day National Partner, the Canadian Transplant Association launched the annual Green Shirt Day in Lethbridge. This year, organizers are inviting Canadian’s to join the movement for lifein recognition of the vital link between organ donation and the gift of life.
On April 6, 2018, Canadians were heartbroken to hear the news of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Of the 29 passengers,16 lost their lives and 13 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 donated 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 passed on June 27th, 2017 and was also an organ donor and saved six 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.
April 7, 2023, will be proclaimed as Green Shirt Day in Lethbridge 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 and tissue donors.
Since its inception, the Green Shirt Day campaign has had a huge impact in increasing awareness of the importance organ and tissue donation. On April 7, Canadians have come together by sharing their stories, having conversations with their families, and registering their intent to donate,
Bernadine and Toby Boulet are pleased with the evolution of the event.
“In the five years since our journey with organ and tissue donation really began, we have realized how one event, that changed our lives, has grown to become a movement. We have seen the positive impact, the sunshine, of this movement that has risen from the crash and tragedy. It has led to conversations which have allowed families in similar situations to make a decision at a tragic time. It has given hope to individuals and their families, who are waiting for organs. Be inspired to have a conversation with your family about registering and being an organ donor – then go and register. Join this movement for hope, this movement for life.”
“When Council approved the name change from Adams Ice Centre to Logan Boulet Arena, Logan’s name became a permanent part of Lethbridge history,” says Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “For those of us who have personal connections with the Boulet family, we already saw that Logan would be known as a remarkable young man. Following the tragedy, the rest of Canada discovered the incredible legacy he and Ric created by registering to become organ donors. I will be pleased to soon bring forth a motion again for the Mayor’s Office to declare April 7 as Green Shirt Day. I do this annually, rather than as a one-time proclamation, to continually highlight Logan’s impact.”
There are more than 4,000 Canadians waiting for a lifesaving transplant and each year approximately 250 people die waiting – you can make all the difference by registering your decision and talking to your family.
The goal of Green Shirt Day 2023 is to inspire 100,000 new registered organ and tissue donors nationally.
Show your support
- Register as an organ donor and tell your family your wishes.
- Hold a Green Shirt Day Event-Be a Green Shirt Day Ambassador
- 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.
- Wear GREEN on Green Shirt Day and tell Canadians why you’re registered to be an organ and/or tissue donor.
- Light up your neighborhood Green – Could be your front door light, stringing Christmas 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, Bumper Stickers, Lawn Signs, and Flags Visit https://greenshirtday2023.ourproshop.ca/
- Visit the following links learn more about organ and tissue donation and to find out how to register in your province:
- Use @greenshirtday #GreenShirtDay, #LoganBouletEffect to spread the word on social media
About Green Shirt Day
The Canada-wide Green Shirt Day was created to remember the victims and families of the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan in 2018. And, to continue Logan Boulet’s legacy by inspiring Canadians to register as organ donors and to talk to their families about their wishes.
On April 7, learning that he would not recover, Bernadine and Toby Boulet offered to donate their son, Logan Boulet’s organs. They did so because Logan had registered as an organ donor and had spoken to his parents about his wishes. His generous final act inspired almost 150,000 donor registrations across Canada shortly thereafter, which became known as the Logan Boulet Effect.
Green Shirt Day is led by the Boulet Family and Canadian Transplant Association, in partnership with Canada’s Organ and Tissue Donation Community, including key partners Canadian Blood Services and The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Green Shirt Day organizers are also grateful for the support of IA Financial Group.
