Organ Donor Awareness Week

16th – 23rd May

OUR CAMPAIGN

Leave No Doubt

Organ Donor Awareness Week is built around the theme ‘Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt!’

The key message is that members of the public can play their part in supporting organ donation for transplantation by ensuring that their families are not left in any doubt about their wishes around organ donation. i.e., they ‘have the conversation’. Sharing your wishes when you are in good health makes it a less stressful decision for your family in the event of them being approached about you being a potential organ donor.

At any one time in Ireland there are between 600 and 650 people active on waiting lists for organ transplants including heart, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas. They are all waiting on the ‘Gift of Life’.

Have the ‘Organ Donation Conversation’

Get an Organ Donor Card, or add Code 115 to your driving license

Encourage friends and family to share their wishes too!

Get A Donor Card
World Kidney Day | Irish Kidney Association
World Kidney Day | Irish Kidney Association

THE DONOR CARD

The Organ Donor Card is a visual representation of your decision to give the ‘Gift Of Life’ in the event of your death. By signing the card and carrying it with you, you are documenting your wishes to be an organ donor.

The card plays an important role in initiating the ‘Organ Donation Conversation’ with your loved ones. Discussing your wishes openly ensures that your family understands and honours your decision.

GET A DONOR CARD

How Can I Support?

Get A Donor Card

The Organ Donor Card is a visual representation of your decision to give the ‘Gift Of Life’ in the event of your death.

Request Your Card
Download Campaign Resources

Find posters, social media images and more to help raise awareness in your community.

Learn More
Host An Event

Plan an organ donor awareness event in your workplace, school or community.

Plan An Event

Share Your Organ Donor Awareness Story

Organ Donor Awareness Week runs from 16th to 23rd May, and we are seeking powerful, personal stories to help highlight the life-changing impact of organ donation.

We we would love to hear from you if:

  •  You are currently awaiting a transplant.
  • You have received a transplant.
  • You have been a living donor.
  • You have made the selfless decision to donate a loved one’s organs.

If you need assistance in filling out the form, or have any questions relating to sharing your story with the Irish Kidney Association please get in touch.

Ideas to Get Involved

Coffee Morning

Organise a group of people to come together with some refreshments and time to chat in a casual and relaxed setting.

A Walk or Run

Get some fresh air while you walk or run and talk to others who relate to your experience. Make sure to hydrate and have a chat afterwards!

Lunch Break

Have a catch up with your colleagues in the break room. Spread awareness in the workplace as well as giving your work friends more information.

Arts-Based Event

Host an event where people can express their feelings about organ donation in a creative way.

Community Group

Add an event to your next agenda, whether you take part in a running group, a book club, a religious group, a golf club etc.

School or University Talk

Talk to your local students’ union or teacher and include an event in your timetable, in the canteen or assembly hall.

Photo Display Event

Display photos which show the impact of organ donation e.g. transplant/athlete winning a medal, a family celebration etc.

Virtual Event

Host a virtual event for people who cannot attend or loved ones living far away, or who feel safer meeting online.

Quiz Night

Host a quiz night in your community with some questions about organ donation to spread awareness in a fun and creative way!

Why Is Organ Donor Awareness Week Important To You?

We asked the speakers at the Organ Donor Awareness Week 2025 launch the question “Why Is Organ Donor Awareness Week Important To You?”

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