Save Seven Lives this August, Organ Donor Month

2013 is a very special year for the Organ Donor Foundation.    The ODF aims to sign on 50,000 new organ donors in 2013.  Did you know:  In South Africa there are less than 0.2% of the population who are registered organ donors? If compared to other countries such as the USA, who have 37% of their population as registered organ donors and Australia who have 24% of their population as registered organ donors – we must admit that this is an extremely shocking and low statistic for South Africa.

 

This August the ODF are turning to the public to assist it in reaching its target of 50,000 sign ups. As members of the public, you can do this by encouraging family members, friends, work colleagues and everyone you know to become organ donors.  You can visit the ODF’s website – www.odf.org.za, where you can fill in seven friends’ or family members’ email addresses.  The ODF will invite seven of your friends to become organ donors, on your behalf.  By making use of this special referral tool, you can be instrumental in increasing your contribution seven fold.  You can also contact the ODF on their toll free line and request promotional material. Just a few minutes of your time will guarantee an amazing impact! You can help the Organ Donor Foundation reach many more potential organ donors in a very cost effective way.

 

There are over 4 000 people throughout South Africa currently awaiting an organ transplant operation. Less than 600 transplants are performed each year and many adults and children die waiting for a life-saving transplant.

 

An even greater problem is the increasing amount of people world-wide who die of end stage organ failure. In South Africa, this number can be as high as thousands every month. There are many unfortunate people who do not even qualify for lifesaving transplants or dialysis treatment before transplantation. They are sent home to die without any hope whatsoever. The Organ Donor Foundation is passionate in its drive to help these unfortunate individuals and their families, to stand a better chance to receive a live-saving transplant.

 

During August we want every South African to think about and act on becoming an organ donor. It costs nothing to register as an organ donor and is an extremely simple procedure: Visit our website at www.odf.org.za or call Toll Free: 0800 22 66 11 to register. You will receive an information pack in the post with an educational leaflet, an organ donor card and stickers for your ID and Driver’s Licence. Most importantly, we ask that you discuss your decision with your family, as they would need to give consent at the time of your death

 

The Organ Donor Foundation embarks on extensive awareness initiatives to encourage the public to become potential organ donors during August. July and August will be marked by a series of awareness initiatives and events.

 

The 2013 World Transplant Summer Games, Durban, South Africa

The 2013 World Transplant Summer Games arranged by the World Transplant Games office are taking place from July 28 – August 4. This is the biggest organ donor awareness event in the world, with 1 800 participants from 50 countries, competing across all age groups.

 

A massive line-up of sports events has been confirmed for venues around Durban. The World Transplant Games is a celebration of the human spirit, giving individuals with previously life-threatening illnesses, the chance to compete in a high-level sports event and prove that they can not only lead normal, fulfilling lives, but push the boundaries of their physical endurance. For further information visit - www.wtg2013.com

 

Save Seven Lives Celebratory Walk: Sunday, 28 July 2013

The Organ Donor Foundation in conjunction with the World Transplant Games and the eThekwini Municipality, are arranging the Save Seven Lives Celebratory Walk on Sunday, 28 July 2013 to start at 10am at the Durban Amphitheatre, Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban. It will form a colourful ‘meeting of the nations,’ with competitors bearing their flags and national colours. Members of the public are welcome to join the athletes as they roll the giant World Transplant Games beach ball towards Dairy Beach

 

Organ Donor Tribute, 1 August 2013

The World Transplant Games and the Organ Donor Foundation are arranging an Organ Donor Tribute Ceremony to honour organ donors and their families who have made the Gift of Life possible by donating their loved ones’ organs. This will take place at the Durban International Conference Centre Hall 1, 2 & 3 on Thursday, 1 August 2013 from 15h00 to 16h30.

 

The “Mad Hatters Civvies Day”, will be held on Friday, 2 August 2013. Stickers are purchased for a donation of R10 from the Organ Donor Foundation and members of the public are encouraged to wear their favourite, mad or wacky hat to work or school on the day. There are fantastic prizes are up for grabs for the top 3 individuals who submit their photograph to the Organ Donor Foundation.

 

Organ Donor Tribute Service, Johannesburg:

This service pays tribute to organ donors and their families who have made the Gift of Life possible by donating their loved ones organs. The Johannesburg Tribute Day will be held on Wednesday, 21 August 2013 at Fourways Memorial Park at 10:30 am.

 

The Organ Donor Foundation has also arranged a number of awareness drives throughout the month including a one day radiothon, and awareness stands at shopping centres, companies and other institutions.

 

You can also sign up as an organ donor at the Cape Homemaker’s Expo during the weekend Thursday, 29 August 2013 until Sunday, 1 September 2013 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

 

For more information about any of the events or awareness initiatives mentioned or to register as an organ donor, please contact the Organ Donor Foundation Toll Free: 0800 22 66 11 or visit www.odf.org.za