FROM EDGE OF YOUR SEAT TO UP ON YOUR FEET
The Organ Project is changing perception and helping those in need
When Eugene Melnyk throws a party, he goes big or he goes home. To celebrate the third annual Organ Project, the owner of the Ottawa Senators took over the ballroom at the Fairmont Royal York and filled it with some of Canada’s biggest names including Pierre Dorian,
General Manager of the Ottawa Senators; Rory Babich, President and CEO of the Florida Panthers; hockey greats Brett and Eric Lindros, and noted sports personality Michael Landsberg.
The Organ Project was founded in 2016 by Melnyk after he received a life-saving liver transplant from an anonymous donor. Ending the wait for thousands of Canadians in need of a life-saving transplant is the ultimate purpose of The Organ Project. While more than 80 per cent of Canadians support organ donation, only 20 per cent have registered to do so.
“Right now, it is equal to a person dying about every 30 hours in Canada while waiting for a transplant.” said Melnyk. “I have seen that first-hand and, through The Organ Project, I want to make it stop. We want to change public perception of the issue of organ donation and encourage more people to register as organ donors.”
Performances by Chantal Kreviazuk and America’s Got Talent finalist Angelica Hale (who told her personal story of receiving a life-saving kidney from her mother) had guests on the edge of their seats. Later in the evening, the Barenaked Ladies had patrons on their feet until the wee hours. To register for organ donation, you can go online with your health card number to www.theorganproject.net. It takes under five minutes to register, and each donor can save up to eight lives.