Special June 1st Service Highlights Organ Donation

Organ donation is a gift of life to many people each year and during June Toowoomba residents are invited to celebrate with a special thanksgiving service.

The service will held on Friday 1st June at St Vincent’s Chapel from 6.30pm.

Toowoomba Health Service Organ Donor Co-ordinator, Ms Liz Hill said the ‘Gift of Life’ thanksgiving service is held to remember the wonderful gifts that donor patients and their families give to recipient patients and their families.

The ecumenical service features a musical tribute during which roses and candles are exchanged between donor families and recipients and their families as a symbol of thanksgiving.

It is very touching service and in past years participants have found it quite emotional. All community members who recognise the wonderful gift of organ donation are welcome to attend.” Ms Hill said after the service, supper will be served by St Vincent’s Hospital Chestnut Café.

This 15th service is hosted by Darling Downs Health Service District with assistance from St Vincent’s Hospital, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and Donate Life Queensland.

Last year in Australia there were 337 organ donors. A total of 67 donors were from Queensland and 366 Queenslanders became tissue donors. Despite Australia having the lowest donor rate in the world, we have the highest success rate for transplants,” Ms Hill said. “All community members are encouraged to consider organ donation and discuss their wishes with their families. It is important for those people who wish to donate to register their intent on the Organ Donor Register.”