Record-breaking year for organ donation in Alberta as program works to boost awareness – CBC
It’s hard to pinpoint a single factor driving that trend, doctor says
Aug 13, 2025
A record number of Albertans are donating organs or tissues — a milestone that has saved hundreds of lives, advocates and doctors say.
Give Life Alberta reported that 317 people who died in 2024 donated organs or tissues. That’s up from 273 donors in 2023, and 248 in 2022. It comes as medical teams work to increase awareness.
Heather Zirk lost her husband Harry seven years ago and based on his wishes, made the decision to donate his corneas, bones and other tissues.
She remembers him as a gregarious people person who was always giving back. Now, she is an advocate for organ donation to all those around her — encouraging people to have conversations with family about their wishes.
“There’s so much more relief knowing that I did it because that’s what he wanted — than if all of the sudden I have to make this decision,” Zirk said.
