$1,000 for organ donors launched

Organ donors who are members of the LifeSharers scheme will receive a $1,000 contribution to their family to help with expenses if the donor organs go to another LifeSharers member.

Details of the scheme were announced today by organ donation advocate and LifeSharers NZ Director Andy Tookey.

LifeSharers was formed earlier this year to help raise the number of potential organ donors.

"The thousand dollars is a small token of our appreciation for the contribution that the donor has made in the saving of other Kiwi lives' said Mr.Tookey. 'We hope to increase the amount substantially over time as new sponsors come on board.'

Tookey thinks all organ donors funeral expenses should be paid for by the government in recognition of their 'gift of life.' to others and in the saving to the health system in terms of getting others off expensive medical treatments by giving them a transplant.

'I am hoping the new government will take my lead and extend the payment to all organ donors, not just those who are LifeSharers members.'He said.

LifeSharers membership is free and open to everyone. No one is excluded on medical grounds.

For more details on the scheme: http://lifesharers.org.nz/funeralcosts.htm