Waterloo Regional Police take part in BeADonor Month

If you get pulled over by Waterloo Regional Police at this point in the month, beyond the ticket you might receive, you’ll be presented with information about organ and tissue donation.

The service is supporting the cause with the launch of its ‘Second Chances’ campaign during BeADonor Month in Ontario. Motorists who are stopped by police through April 15, will be provided information on organ and tissue donation and encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits of providing someone with a Second Chance.

“Our hope is that by creating awareness and encouraging registration for organ and tissue donation, motorists will consider giving someone a ‘second chance’ through the use of transplant,” said Mark Hammer, acting staff sergeant with the WRPS Traffic Services Unit, in a release.

"The past year, COVID-19 has had a profound effect on all aspects of our lives,” said Karyn Hyjek, director, public education and marketing with Trillium Gift of Life Network. “Donation and transplant are essential and life-saving and as such have continued through the pandemic; however, the need for transplant continues to exceed the availability of organs. Right now, there are almost 1,600 Ontarians waiting for transplant.”

One organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance as many as 75 lives through tissue donation. We encourage everyone to follow your heart, and register to become an organ and tissue donor today.

To learn more or to register as a donor, visit www.BeADonor.ca.