Friday, December 31, 2004

Mini Marts Mock Organ Donation

NOTE: Jan 14/04 - The poster in question has now been removed, not because of public pressure, but because the promotion ended. The Canadian Transplant Association no longer has the photos on their web site. Merv.
Macs Milk and Becker's (Divisions of Couche-tard) two well known chains that have Mini Marts in many location in Canada and the US, have launched an advertising campaign using 'Human Organ Transport' as their theme. It is not in good taste by any means; if anything it makes a mockery out of the process of organ donation. For photos of these posters and links for registering a protest or complaint please go to : Canadian Transplant Association

Thursday, December 23, 2004

Lynne & Peter Laurence's Holiday Party 2004

Photo Gallery for this article: Laurence Party

Peter Laurence suffered with cystic fibrosis for a long time and finally had a double lung transplant in July, 2001. Since that time he and his wife Lynne have been very active in reaching out and "giving back" to the transplant community. They tell me this "Christmas Party" at their home in Mississauga, Ontario December 5th was the "first annual". Let's hope so.

Quite a few lung transplant patients were in attendance along with many of their spouses, support persons, friends and relatives.

Peter shot quite a few photos with his new digital camera and I've posted them to my photo gallery at: Laurence Party

Monday, December 20, 2004

Transplant Raffle Winners

Photo Gallery for this article: Transplant Raffle

Andrea Blackler, Manager of Community Relations for the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, asked me to convey the foundation's heartfelt thanks to everyone that supported the raffle by either purchasing or selling tickets. We know that you worked hard to promote the event and I also wish to add my huge thanks to those who purchased tickets from me and helped to sell tickets. You are true "Friends of The Foundation".

The draw took place November 30th in the 12th floor clinic area and approximately $12,000 was raised for the transplant program at Toronto General Hospital. A very special thanks goes to Patricia Wood for making the whole fundraiser possible with her generous donation of the beautiful quilt created and appliqued by her own hand, and to our other prize contributors as noted below.

The four winners were:
1st Prize - QUILT = Mona Wasserman
2nd Prize - Black Leather CHAIR from Harkel Office Furniture Ltd. = Frank Sullivan
3rd Prize - Sheraton HOTEL (2 nights for 2 people) = Mary Morton (from Kitchener, Ontario)
4th Prize - CIVELLO salon & spa "Beauty & The Body Gift Certificate" = Angela Maxwell

Photos of the quilt, raffle committee and the draw itself are at:
Transplant Raffle

Special thanks to Kim Cassar for the photos of the draw.

Saturday, December 11, 2004

Toronto Auto Dealers Christmas Party

Photo Gallery for this article: Auto Dealers

Trillium Gift of Life Network sponsored a table at The Toronto Auto Dealers Association (TADA) annual Christmas luncheon December 10th and I was very fortunate to be invitied to this upscale event featuring a concert by the famous Canadian country singer Michelle Wright. She is truly a superstar, having been voted top female artist of the year in 2000 by the Canadian Country Music Association.
TADA has a special relationship with Trillium, having donated a van for the transporting of donated organs for transplant.
Photo Gallery: Auto Dealers