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Transplant Australia holds many different events for our members. They range from recognition and remembrance events to activities.
The association between transplant recipients, those awaiting transplantation, those undergoing dialysis treatment, family members of deceased donors, living donors and supporters shows us the benefits of our loved ones donation and that of our living donors giving someone a second chance at life and sight.
For specific event details please see the Events Calendar in Branch Information.
Some examples of the events are as follows;
In some states of Australia, the annual Rose Planting Ceremony brings together family members of deceased donors to celebrate the life of their loved one and the gift of life and sight they have given to others.
These ceremonies are special times of reflection for the families and to meet other families who have had similar experiences.
Living Donors, transplant recipients, supporters and medical professionals are also invited to these special events.
In some states of Australia, the annual Tree Planting Ceremony brings together living donors and their families to celebrate the gift of life they have given to another.
These ceremonies are special times for the living donors and their recipients to join with others who have had similar experiences.
Living Donors, transplant recipients, family members of deceased donors, supporters and medical professionals are also invited to these special events.
Annual Thanksgiving Services are held in each state of Australia in May or June each year. These services are non denominational and a time for those who have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation of Remembrance and Reflection.
In many states, the annual service has a focus and upon arrival the congregation are asked to select a flower, butterfly, or shape and write a special message. This shape is part of the service when those present are asked to come forward and place their memento in the central theme. Often a small token is given to take home as a lasting reminder of the day, it may be spring bulbs, polished stones or origami cranes.
All Transplant Australia members play a main part in the organisation and or participation of these services. Many people travel long distances or interstate to attend. In some cases the reason for this is to attend the service in the state in which their loved ones lost their life.
Some branches of Transplant Australia host annual functions, which is a time for the celebration of life! Victoria hosts the annual Dinner Dance and in May NSW hosts the annual Miracle Dinner. Both offer a delicious meal, dancing, raffles, silent auction, and the socialisation of state members and their guests. Enjoyable times for all members of Transplant Australia.
Each state branch of Transplant Australia develop local sport participation opportunities for all members of their state, in the form of "Come and Try" sporting and recreational activity days. The branch combines these fun activities with their regular monthly or bi-monthly meetings in various locations to give all members around each state the opportunity of participation without having to travel great distances.
"Come and Try" days encourage transplant recipients to participate in a variety of sporting and recreational activities that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to try.
Branch committees organise a calendar of events each year, which includes swimming, aqua golf, mini golf (putt putt), archery, ten pin bowling, golf, petanque, lawn bowls, tennis, snooker, picnics, and more. Some branches also offer camping weekends for the family.
These days also help to raise awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation and transplantation as the members wear their state uniform to these events to increase the public's interest.
Everyone is welcome to attend meetings and "Come and Try" days and costs are kept to a minimum. Further information can be obtained from your local branch committee.
Transplant Australia members are available to speak to media and community groups and schools, especially during Donor Awareness Week, which is held every year in February. In 2007 Donor Awareness Week will be held from 19 to 23 February.
From Christmas functions to quiz nights, movie nights or bush dances, our members join together to enjoy each others company and share common experiences.
Transplant Australia is supporting the establishment of a Foundation to raise money for the late V8 Supercar driver Ashley Cooper's partner Casey and their young children Ella and Bailey.
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Click here to donate to the Transplant Australia Trust - Ashley Cooper Foundation.
Key members of the National Clinical Taskforce into Organ and Tissue Donation presented their final report to the new Labor Government on Thursday, February 14.
Transplant Australia has released the 2007 Annual Report.
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