When Humboldt Broncos player Logan Boulet became an organ donor, his decision saved six lives, but his story has actually saved thousands through the Logan Boulet Effect.
On Sunday, Green Shirt Day will be held in communities across Canada, including Sylvan Lake, in recognition of Boulet and thousands of others who were inspired by him to become organ donors.
Boulet, of Lethbridge, was one of 16 people who died from the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
McKailyn Ives, who was Boulet’s girlfriend, said all the attention on Boulet raised by the organ donation campaign would have been difficult for him.
“He was very humble and very shy and would not like all the publicity. I think he would think everyone’s making a big deal out of it. It’s just something people do. I just think he wanted to help,” said Ives, of Lethbridge.
She said they were both organ donors prior to the tragedy. Boulet became aware of the need after his coach and mentor, Ric Suggitt, died in 2017 and saved six lives as an organ donor.
She was inspired to become a donor after watching the movie Seven Pounds, starring Will Smith.
“I know that (Ric) was Logan’s Will Smith. That was the turning point for him,” Ives said.
Now, Boulet has become an example for others.
“I did not expect it to become a movement. But I’m glad that it did, because I know it brings a lot of peace to a lot of people that Logan has a legacy now,” said Ives, who is also regularly recognized as Boulet’s girlfriend.
“I think it prompted a lot of people to think about organ donation and get interested in what it actually is.”
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Ives is planning to be in Humboldt, Sask., with Boulet’s family on Saturday, the one-year anniversary of the bus crash.
She is returning Sunday to Lethbridge for Green Shirt Day, where his family will host a skating event. Lethbridge City Hall is going to be lit up in green.
Green is not only the Broncos’ colours, but it represents organ donation.
“Logan was a wonderful person. He truly cared about other people and I think that other people should do the same and learn what they can to help other people. I think that’s what Green Shirt Day is all about.”
Ives said even if people don’t sign up to become organ donors, they could think about donating blood.
A Green Shirt Day event will be held Sunday in Sylvan Lake in the lounge of Boston Pizza from 2 to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit greenshirtday.ca.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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