In the aftermath of the devastating Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018 a young player's decision to become an organ donor saved six lives and sparked a nationwide movement.
On Friday, Mayor Brian Bowman presented Bernadine and Toby Boulet with the Key to the City in recognition of the awareness they continue to create on the importance of organ donation in the loving memory of their son, Logan.
“April 6 will mark four years since the tragic Humboldt Broncos highway crash that touched the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “This tragedy hit home for Canadians because in Canada, hockey is a part of life and we all saw part of ourselves in those who were impacted. The inspiring events that followed, the “Logan Boulet Effect”, and the awareness that the Boulets continue to create to this day, are why I’m honoured to present them with the Key to the City.”
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On April 7, 2018, when Logan couldn’t recover from his injuries, the Boulets offered his organs so that six lives could move forward. Logan had registered as an organ donor after being inspired to do so by his coach and mentor, Ric Suggit who passed away a year earlier. He was also an organ donor and saved six lives. After this news started to spread across Canada in the following days and weeks, almost 150,000 people registered to become organ donors. This represents the largest known number of Canadians registered as a result of one corresponding event and person. This became known as the “Logan Boulet Effect”.
From that day forward, April 7 would become known as Green Shirt Day as a way to honour all the victims and families of the tragic crash, and to continue Logan’s legacy to inspire Canadians to consider becoming organ donors. For more information about Green Shirt Day please go here.
“It is hard to imagine how difficult this time has been for the Boulets but their dedication to Logan’s legacy by continuing to create awareness for organ donation is nothing short of inspirational,” said Mayor Bowman.
The Key to the City is Winnipeg’s highest honour, and recognizes the significant contributions of dignitaries visiting the city. Friday's Key to the City presentation to Bernadine and Toby Boulet is the fifth Key to the City awarded by Mayor Bowman. Previous recipients include musician and philanthropist David Foster, hockey legend Teemu Selanne, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra conductor Alexander Mickelthwate, and internationally renowned ballerina and dancer Evelyn Hart.