Eight years ago today, the hockey world was shocked when a semi-trailer truck crashed into a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos hockey team in Saskatchewan. The crash led to the deaths of 16 people. Lethbridge native Logan Boulet was one of the ten players who was killed and Tuesday, in his memory, is Green Shirt Day.
The day honours Logan’s decision, prior to his death, to be an organ donor. His organs were donated to save six people. In the days that followed more than 150,000 Canadians signed up to be organ donors in what became known as the Logan Boulet Effect.
Lethbridge City Council declared April 7th as “Green Shirt Day” in support of organ donation. The City no longer issues proclamations to avoid potential controversy and division – but, in this case, council voted to put forward a declaration for Green Shirt Day on an annual basis, which leaves forward an intentional act of remembrance. Logan’s mother, Bernie Boulet says the whole family is “honoured and proud to be from Lethbridge.”
While Green Shirt Day is being observed across the country, there is a free Green Shirt Day family skate tomorrow from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Logan Boulet Arena. You are encouraged to bring your own skates, helmet and of course, wear green. You’ll also be able to learn more about organ and tissue donation.
For more information about Green Shirt Day, you can visit here.