CAW EARNS TRILLIUM GIFT OF LIFE NETWORK RECOGNITION AWARD

Over 260 000 employees committed to raising awareness about organ and tissue donation
Press release
December 7, 2007 - Toronto, ON - The Canadian Auto Workers will be presented with the highest recognition award for raising awareness about organ and tissue donation from Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) today at their annual general meeting in Toronto.

“The commitment of the CAW to organ and tissue donation is incredible,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN. “You embraced the cause and you have helped at every opportunity to raise awareness. I am honored to present this award to you today - and I hope that other groups look to you as a model of what it is to be responsible citizens - thank you so much.”

Today in Ontario, more than 1655 patients are on the transplant waiting list.

“The CAW is proud to help Trillium Gift of Life raise awareness about its important work,” said CAW President Buzz Hargrove. “So many people and their families are affected by organ and tissue donation. I’m urging CAW members and their families to continue being involved by raising awareness and by also signing their donor cards and by talking to family members so they know about your wishes.”

Over the past year the CAW has worked with TGLN to:

• Write several articles for their internal newsletters



• Place an organ and tissue donation message on pay receipt envelopes



• Circulate and hang awareness posters



• Have an organ and tissue donation presence at all CAW functions

“I got my kidney/pancreas transplant 5 ½ years ago,” said local 222 CAW Member Phil Goodwin. “I don’t know what I would have done without it. I am so proud that the CAW understands the importance of raising awareness for organ and tissue donation. Everyone should be doing something. It’s easy to make a difference and save lives."

Every three days someone on the organ donation waiting list dies.

“It's critical to have groups like this raising awareness. It’s so important that every person in this province knows that they have the power to save lives. I hope that we can continue to work together to get people to talk to your family about your organ and tissue donation wishes,” said Markel.

Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario and is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.

For more details on Trillium Gift of Life Network please visit our website at 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”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov