Courtesy: Prince George Cougars

By Ethan Ready

Organ Donation Campaign

WHL raises $600,000 through Suits Up Campaign

May 27, 2021 | 11:29 AM

CALGARY, AB – The Western Hockey League and RE/MAX of Western Canada are proud to announce that over $600,000 has been raised through three seasons of the ‘RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up to Promote Organ Donation’ program.

In 2017, RE/MAX and the WHL came together to create this awareness campaign in support of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Over three seasons of the program, which was the largest single fundraiser to date for The Kidney Foundation of Canada, WHL Canadian Clubs wore theme jerseys that were auctioned off in support of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. All funds remained in Western Canada.

The ‘RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up to Promote Organ Donation’ program saw a pause in action during the 2019-20 season as a result of COVID-19. Three WHL Clubs – the Calgary Hitmen, Kelowna Rockets, and the Victoria Royals – did not have the opportunity to complete their game nights or jersey auctions as a result of the unexpected early conclusion of the season. The Hitmen and Royals both held their jersey auctions in April 2021 in conjunction with Green Shirt Day, an awareness campaign aimed at educating people on the importance of organ donation. The Rockets concluded their jersey auction during the fall of 2020.

“We want to thank all fans for bidding on these team jerseys and thereby supporting The Kidney Foundation of Canada,” said Elaine Langhout, Director of Regional Advertising for RE/MAX of Western Canada. “It has been an honour to be part of such an incredible cause over the three WHL seasons and we can’t wait until we see the fans wearing the jerseys – in the stands when it is safe to do so.”

“Over three years, we witnessed WHL fans in Western Canada display their tremendous support for The Kidney Foundation of Canada,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “With the partnership of the WHL’s longest-standing corporate sponsor, RE/MAX of Western Canada, and the support of the entire Cherry family, the WHL and our Western Canadian-based Clubs are proud to have played a role in raising funds and awareness for the importance of organ donation in Canada.”

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We are truly appreciative of the incredible support from the WHL, the 17 Western Canadian-based Clubs, and RE/MAX,” said Kurtis Krug, National Board Vice President of the Kidney Foundation.

“Together, we put the spotlight on organ donation, reaching and inspiring thousands of people. We are grateful to the teams, the fans, and RE/MAX for rallying support for our cause and our efforts to improve the lives of Canadians. This amazing partnership and the support of the WHL’s fans has given hope to people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and inspiration to Canadians.

“On behalf of the Kidney Foundation, and the patients we serve, we thank you for your lifesaving efforts.”

Over three years ago, RE/MAX and the WHL came together to create this awareness campaign in support of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. According to the latest available statistics, 77% of Canadians waiting for an organ transplant are waiting for a kidney. Though organ donation awareness has ramped up in recent years, and Canadians continue to register as organ donors like never before, many Canadians remain on the transplant waitlist.