Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again highlight the importance of organ donation.
In Ontario alone, over 1,500 people are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, while only 26% of the population are registered donors.
Each of us can relate to the importance of having hope in our lives. When my wife Betty died in May 2011, my personal faith and knowing that her organs saved the lives of five people allowed me and my family to find hope in the midst of our grief.
George Marcello, founder of the Torch of Life initiative and a transplant survivor himself, has made it his life's mission to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and to offer others the same chance he received to enjoy a healthy future with friends and loved ones.
Tomorrow George will bring the Torch of Life to the Hill. I look forward to commending George for all of his important work.
I want to encourage every member to urge their constituents to register as donors at beadonor.ca.