On August 3rd, the South Sydney Rabbitohs will be supporting Donate Life Week (July 29-August 4) when they play against the Cronulla Sharks.
The Gift of Life Foundation, a staunch supporter of Donate Life Week, aims to encourage more Australians to become organ and tissue donors and to talk about it with their family and friends.
Alcatel Mobile has kindly allowed Gift of Life to take their place on the Rabbitoh’s away jersey during the game.
Gift of Life Foundation Founder and Chairman Phil Pike, who is a kidney transplant recipient himself, has commended Alcatel Mobile and the Rabbitohs for the exposure and is “hopeful all Australians will be encouraged to become organ donors”.
Phil PikeIt is essential for more Australians to become organ and tissue donors to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from all kinds of illnesses that limit the use of their own organs, and to talk with their family and friends so their wishes are heard.
More than 1400 Australians are currently on long waiting lists to receive life-saving and transforming transplants that would dramatically improve their quality of life. Over 11,000 Australians are currently on kidney dialysis with many also benefitting greatly from kidney transplants.
Only 1 in 3 Australians have joined the Organ Donor Register, despite 81% of Australians believing that being a donor is vitally important. 9 out of 10 families agreed to donation when their family member was on the register but dropped to 5 out of 10 families when their loved ones were unaware of their wish to donate.
“It is essential for more Australians to become organ and tissue donors to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from all kinds of illnesses that limit the use of their own organs, and to talk with their family and friends so their wishes are heard.”
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly was thrilled to see the Club and sponsors work together towards a good cause.
Sam SkontosThe South Sydney Rabbitohs are a club that gives back to the community, and our partnership with them allows us to create opportunities such as this.
“Firstly I want to pay tribute to Sam Skontos and his team at Alcatel for providing Gift of Life with this wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation," he said.
"It is very easy to register as an organ donor, but the impact of that decision could be huge for the recipients of the organ donation and their loved ones. The Rabbitohs would encourage all of our Members and supporters to register as donors at giftoflife.com.au."
Sam Skontos, VP and Regional Managing Director of Alcatel, believes it is a great opportunity to bring awareness to organ transplant and tissue donation.
"The South Sydney Rabbitohs are a club that gives back to the community, and our partnership with them allows us to create opportunities such as this," Mr Skontos said.
"Donating Alcatel’s front of jersey placement to giftoflife.com.au for this game allows us to raise awareness and start an important conversation around organ transplant and tissue donation."
It only takes a minute to become an organ donor, go to giftoflife.com.au to register and talk with your family and friends to let them know.
People who have registered on their driver licence are no longer valid donors except in South Australia, so visit giftoflife.com.au to register now.
