April Marks Organ Donation Awareness Month:
Saving Lives Starts With You
David Foster Foundation highlights the importance
of organ donation this April.
April is Organ Donation Awareness Month, a time to recognize the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation in Canada. The David Foster Foundation is joining the national effort to raise awareness and support families of children undergoing major organ transplants.
For four decades, the Foundation has provided financial support to families of children in need of life-saving organ transplants, helping cover essential non-medical expenses such as accommodations, travel, groceries, and utilities. The demand for support continues to grow. In 2025, the Foundation received 973 requests for assistance, a 42% increase from 2024, underscoring the urgent and rising need facing transplant families.
Fast facts:
Currently, more than 4,000 Canadians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant
Approximately 250 people die each year while waiting for a donation (Canadian Institute for Health Information [CIHI])
Public opinion data shows that 90% of Canadians approve of organ and tissue donation
Only 32% of Canadians have officially registered to become a donor (Canadian Blood Services)
A single organ donor can save up to eight lives. The David Foster Foundation is urging Canadians to register this April. It takes just two minutes to register, a small act that can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of Canadians currently waiting.
Becoming an organ donor is simple: register online in your province or territory, and discuss your wishes with loved ones to help ensure your decision can be honoured. For more information about the David Foster Foundation and how it supports families of transplant patients, as well as links to register per province, please visit davidfosterfoundation.com.
ABOUT THE DAVID FOSTER FOUNDATION:
The David Foster Foundation is a Canadian non-profit charitable organization founded by sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster. For 40 years, the Foundation has provided financial support for non-medical expenses to families of children undergoing major organ transplants. This assistance helps cover essential costs such as mortgage or rent, travel, utilities, and groceries. Support is available for children under nineteen, starting from the moment they are listed for a pediatric transplant and continuing through all post-operative checkups.
Since its founding, the Foundation has assisted over 1,600 families, thanks to the generosity of Life Legacy Members, National Partners, and Community Partners, as well as innovative giving programs like the donation of Avion Rewards and Aeroplan miles.
The success of the David Foster Foundation would not be possible without the generous support of our Life Legacy Members: Argyros Family Foundation, AWIN Group of Dealerships, Cheryl and Haim Saban, Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment, James Wilson & Vivian Roy, Jim & Sandi Treliving, Jim Pattison, Joan & Paul Waechter, John and Bonnie Buhler Foundation, Jonathan D. Fischer Foundation, Kyle MacDonald & John Franklin, Newtown Glassman Charitable Foundation in Partnership with Catalyst Capital Group, Paragon, Richard J. Stephenson & Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, S.G. Cunningham, Walter Scott Family Foundation, Telus, The Anschulz Foundation, The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, The Slaight Family Foundation, The Waugh Family Foundation, and Walter & Maria Schneider.
We are also proud to be supported by our National Partners: Air Canada Foundation, Allvision, Aird & Berlis LLP, and Purolator.
Strengthening our impact within the communities we serve are our valued Community Partners: Boston Pizza, DeerFields Clinic, Gib-San Pool Landscape & Creations, RBC Hillyard Stephen Group, StayWell, and Tom Lee Music.
Beyond financial assistance, the Foundation is a leading advocate for organ donor awareness and registration in Canada and the United States. For more information on the Foundation’s programs, impact, and ways to contribute, visit davidfosterfoundation.com.