More than two dozen people gathered in downtown Orillia Monday to raise a flag to help mark Organ Donation Awareness Month.
The goal of the campaign is to promote the "important fact" that organ and tissue donation saves lives.
Among the group who gathered around the flagpole outside of the Orillia Opera House were recipients, those waiting for a transplant and supporters.
"We are so grateful to the City of Orillia for their ongoing support and to the citizens of Orillia who have increased the organ and tissue donation registration numbers from 23 per cent in 2013 to 42 per cent this year," said Margot Crowder-Davidson, who helped to organize the event.
While the numbers have increased substantially, it should be higher, officials say.
"We are hoping that more people will register their consent to be a donor, either on-line at beadonor.ca, or with Service Ontario when you renew your licences or health cards, and now on your tax returns," noted a media release from the group.
"It only takes a few minutes and the outcome could save so many lives," said Crowder-Davidson, who noted many recipients go on to live productive and happy lives.
"We have met some donor families and they report that they are so grateful that their loved one’s organs or tissues are helping someone else live. It’s important to know that although 90 per cent of Ontarians support organ and tissue donation only 37per cent are actually registered. Anyone can be a donor, no matter your health or your age," Crowder-Davidson explained.
