The Organ Donor Foundation (ODF) will host three 5km big walks in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, which are being staged to help raise awareness and improve understanding of organ donation.
ODF Executive Director, Samantha Volschenk says, “Bring your family and friends to the big walks, show your support for organ donation and transplantation and have a fun and healthy experience at the same time. In most cases, receiving a donor organ means the difference between life and death. It’s a very profound gift that is free to give.”
The foundation is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of becoming an organ donor and most importantly discussing the decision with your family. There are over 4 300 people throughout South Africa in need of an organ transplant. Many of them are children who are forced to put their childhood interests and dreams on hold, waiting for a suitable donor.
The ODF slogan is “Save Seven Lives”, as that’s the potential difference you can make, explains Volschenk.
The Big Walk, Durban
Date: Sunday 30 October 2011
Venue: Amphitheatre Durban Beach Front
Time: Registration at 7am and the walk commences at 9am
Cost: R30 per adult
The first 400 people to register for each Big Walk on the day will qualify for a goodie bag.
To enter or for more information on how to register as an organ donor, visit the foundation’s website or call toll free 0800 22 66 11.
The ODF is a non-profit charity established in 1988 with the aim of addressing the critical shortage of organ and tissue donors in South Africa. As the national umbrella body for the promotion of organ and tissue donation, the ODF is actively involved in educational and publicity programmes directed at the public and the medical profession.