Toronto, ON – The Toronto Board of Rabbis (TBR) and Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) are working together to promote organ and tissue donation awareness, to deliver sermons from Toronto pulpits and distribute information pamphlets to hospital chaplaincies illustrating the support for organ donation within the Jewish religion.
“I’m so proud this partnership is continuing to thrive,” said Frank Markel, President & CEO of TGLN. “It’s important that all religions understand that organ donation is a positive decision, and that there are no barriers because of strong religious affiliation. The sermons delivered this Saturday speak volumes for the importance of organ and tissue donation, we hope that people will decide to be donors and speak to their family about their wishes. ”
Eya Donald-Greenland has herself made the life-saving decision. Her son was a donor following a massive heart attack. “The opportunity to offer the gift of life to so many others, at the worst moment of our own lives, has enriched and strengthened our family beyond measure. The knowledge that so much good resulted from his death has inspired us and helped us to heal.”
This is the second year Toronto-area Rabbis have collectively delivered “inspirational” sermons supporting organ donation. Last year, the sermons helped correct the misperception that Judaism does not support organ donation and congregants across the city were inspired to make their donation wishes known by talking with their families.
"Every day that passes, people are left wondering if they will have another day of life as they desperately await the news of an organ that could save their life,” said Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich, President of the Toronto Board of Rabbis. “This is a crisis not only for them, but for their families – spouses, parents, children and communities. The gift of life, in the form of organ donation, is truly a gift of love, as well. The Rabbis of the Toronto Board of Rabbis are honored to bring this message to our congregations again. The impact of last year was significant in raising our community's awareness to this need, and we will continue year after year until no one needs to wait for this life saving gift of kindness.”
Today in Ontario, 1719 patients are on the waiting list. Of those, 1073 are men, 620 are women and 26 of those patients are children.
“Working with the Jewish Community is an important step,” said Markel. “We are working hard with many different faiths to educate their congregations on organ and tissue donation because we know there are very few religious barriers to donation.”
For more details on Trillium Gift of Life Network please go to TGLN or call 416.363.4001 or toll free 1-800-263-2833.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario or Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network
For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
Your generosity can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance another 50 through tissue donation
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