Local Awareness Events in Saint John

(SAINT JOHN) - April 24, 2017 - The NB Organ and Tissue Program is inviting Saint John residents to join them and the Canadian Transplant Association - New Brunswick Branch, at a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week on Monday, April 24 at 12 p.m. at City Hall.

Other awareness events being held in Saint John include a 'Paint Nite' fundraising event as well as 'Transplant Trot' events with 3 km, 5 km, and 8 km walks/runs. The Paint Nite fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at Britt's Pub & Eatery at the Rockwood Park Golf Course, and information on how to purchase tickets can be found at www.PaintNite.com. Transplant Trot walks/runs will be held in Saint John on Friday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m., and will depart at 6 p.m. from Market Square (1 Market Square). Similar events are being held at other locations across Canada.

National Organ and Tissue Awareness Week is being celebrated Canada-wide from April 23-30. Approximately 4,600 Canadians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and many more are waiting for tissue transplants. Sadly, approximately 250 Canadians die each year waiting for a transplant. This year, there are over 250 New Brunswickers on the wait list. An organ donor can save as many as eight lives, while a tissue donor may improve the quality of life for up to 75 people.

During this awareness week, New Brunswickers are encouraged to make or renew their commitment to organ and tissue donation, and to make their wishes known to their family members.

The NB Organ and Tissue Program is administered by Horizon Health Network and includes organ, tissue and ocular donations. More information can be found on Horizon's website at www.HorizonNB.ca/Organ-Tissue or by calling toll-free at 1-888-762-8600.

-30-

For more information:

Stephanie Neilson-Levesque

Media Relations

1-877-499-1899

Media@HorizonNB.ca   

www.HorizonNB.ca