The ethical and social issues surrounding organ and tissue donation will become matters of academic inquiry at the University of Ottawa, thanks to a generous donation of $800,000 by the Bertram Loeb Organ-Tissue Donation Institute.
 Rabbi Reuven Bulka discusses new research chair to be established with the help of Bertram Loeb (seated). |
“Presently, more than 3,800 Canadians are awaiting transplants to alleviate their suffering. Unfortunately, fewer than 15 Canadians in a million donate their organs,” said Rector Gilles Patry. “Increasing awareness and acceptance of the concept of donation and transplantation will not only significantly improve the quality of life for donor recipients, but also save lives.”
The University will continue to raise funds in cooperation with the Institute to increase the endowment supporting this chair to the $3 million level.
Well-known Ottawa grocer and philanthropist Bertram Loeb helped to create the Institute in January 2002. “I wanted the money to be used to fund public and professional education and awareness resulting in an increase in the rate of organ and tissue donations for transplantation in Canada,” said Mr. Loeb. The Bertram Loeb Organ-Tissue Donation Institute is a non-profit organization that works to promote public and professional awareness and education about organ and tissue donation.
Over the past decade the number of Canadians waiting for transplants has increased by 84 per cent, while the number of organs available is essentially unchanged. In 2002, 237 Canadians died while awaiting transplant.
