St. John Ambulance (SJA) proudly introduces the Organ Donor Award, a national initiative recognizing the selfless individuals—both deceased and living—who have saved or attempted to save lives through the donation of organs or tissues.

Whether through a solid organ donation (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, or small bowel) or tissue donation (corneas, heart valves, tendons, skin, or bone), each act of giving represents an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of others. This award seeks to honour these generous individuals and their families.

By establishing this program, the Priory of Canada aims to celebrate donors, provide emotional support to donor families, and contribute to increasing the pool of available organs—ultimately saving more Canadian lives.

About the Program

Launched in June 2025, the Organ Donor Award was officially approved by the Priory and first presented during the Investiture at the Senate on June 21, 2025.

The award was inspired by the personal story of the Chancellor of the Priory of Canada, herself an organ recipient. It reflects St. John Ambulance’s mission to serve humanity and recognize exceptional acts that align with our commitment to community health and safety.

The award is available to Canadian citizens and residents who have donated, or attempted to donate, organs or tissues—whether during life or after death.

Who Is Eligible

• Canadian citizens or residents
• Living or deceased donors
• Organ or tissue donations (successful or attempted)
• Acts that occurred within Canada

How to Nominate a Donor

You can nominate a donor by submitting the application form found here. Nominations must include supporting documentation from a provincial organ donor agency or, when possible, a hospital.

Recognition and Presentation

Each recipient, or their family or representative, will receive:

• A St. John Organ Donor certificate
• A commemorative lapel pin

Award presentations may take place at:

• The national Investiture ceremony
• A provincial Investiture
• A local or private ceremony, as preferred by the family

The first presentation took place in June 2025, recognizing a deceased donor through the donor’s partner and mother.

Why This Award Matters

By formally recognizing organ and tissue donors, St. John Ambulance hopes to:

• Celebrate acts of compassion and heroism
• Support grieving families and communities
• Raise national awareness of organ donation
• Help increase organ availability for Canadians in need

The program reflects the mission of the Order of St John “to prevent and relieve sickness and injury” and to recognize exceptional service to humanity.

Help Us Honour These Lifesaving Gifts

You can help us grow this initiative by:

• Nominating a donor
• Sharing the program through your networks, workplace, or social media
• Supporting awareness of organ and tissue donation in your community