EVERYONE loves receiving flowers.
That is why a campaign by Midland-based PlusLife is encouraging people to share a flower posy in a bid to raise awareness of bone and tissue donations.
Lions clubs across Perth, including Duncraig, North Beach, Floreat, Kingsley-Woodvale, Ballajura and Swan Districts, are leading the Petals for PlusLife movement.
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READ NOWDuncraig Lions member Carmel Ward described it as a simple, grassroots concept.
“Anyone who receives a Petals for PlusLife posy is encouraged to enjoy their blooms and then replace the jar with fresh flowers and pass it on to a friend or relative to help drive awareness about this special cause,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s not about having a big, fancy, expensive campaign to drive home a message.”
Each jar has a tag attached that explains the important work of PlusLife, details about tissue donation and how to register as a donor.
Fellow member and Carine resident Rob Meney said the campaign was a perfect fit for Lions.
“Bone and tissue donations and transplants can and do help so many people, including children,” he said.
“Together we can do so much just by taking a jar with a posy of flowers and spreading the word.
“I enjoy every campaign that lives up to our Lions motto, ‘To help others less fortunate than ourselves’.”
PlusLife managing director Anne Cowie hoped the initiative would gain traction in the wider community.
“We often hear about people whose lives have been saved thanks to a donated organ, but many people don’t realise that donating bone and tissue is actually possible and can be life-changing for recipients,” she said.
“There are hundreds of recipient success stories, including young cancer patients who have been saved the trauma of limb amputations and scoliosis patients who have been able to walk without pain and reclaim their lives after surgery thanks to the kindness of donors.”
For details, visit www.pluslife.org.au and share photos of posies on social media using #petalsforpluslife.
Fast facts:
– One deceased tissue donor has the potential to improve the wellbeing, sight and mobility of up to 60 people.
– Last year, 634 West Australians received bone and tissue donations.
– Latest statistics show just 38 per cent of West Australians are registered tissue and organ donors.