Green Shirt Day Artist Shares Personal Connection to 'Crucial' Organ Donation Cause
Toby Boulet wears his Green Shirt Day pin daily as a constant reminder of his son, Logan, whose legacy continues to inspire organ donation awareness across Canada. The Boulet family recently launched the 2026 Green Shirt Day campaign at Lethbridge City Hall, honoring Logan and promoting the vital cause of organ and tissue donation.
The Logan Boulet Effect
Logan Boulet was among the victims of the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6, 2018, when a semi-truck struck the team's bus at a rural intersection near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. The devastating collision claimed sixteen lives and injured thirteen others. Logan succumbed to his injuries the following day, but his decision to become an organ donor created an extraordinary legacy.
His organ donation saved six lives and sparked what became known as the "Logan Boulet Effect," inspiring an estimated 150,000 Canadians to register as organ donors in the aftermath of the tragedy. This remarkable response demonstrated how one person's decision can create widespread positive change.
Continuing the Campaign
Eight years after the crash, Toby Boulet acknowledges the ongoing difficulty of life without his son. "It's like Groundhog Day in the morning, and it's like Groundhog Day at night," he shared during the campaign launch. "Everything in the middle of the day changes, but morning, you wake up the same way — Logan's not going to call me. At nighttime, I haven't called Logan — same thing."
Green Shirt Day, observed annually on April 7, serves as Canada's national day to honor organ donors and encourage more Canadians to register their donation decisions. This year's theme, "One decision can create a lasting ripple effect," perfectly captures Logan's enduring impact.
Artistic Expression with Personal Meaning
The 2026 campaign features the winning design from the Green Shirt Day logo contest, created by Candace Sernowsky of Lorette West, Manitoba. Her design incorporates meaningful elements including a spinning puck, a green organ donation ribbon, crossed hockey sticks, and Logan's jersey number 27 at the center.
Sernowsky's connection to organ donation extends beyond artistic expression. Last September, she donated her left kidney through a kidney pairing program in Vancouver. "I started testing back in February 2024 and was finally able to help my cousin receive a kidney by donating to an unknown person," she explained. "My hope is to inspire others to come forward and consider registering as organ donors. This process offers someone a better life — and knowing you can make that happen through organ donation makes it all worth it."
Community Support and Conversation
Bernadine Boulet emphasized how Green Shirt Day has facilitated important conversations about organ donation across Canada. "Knowing that Logan has made an impact and has made a difference and has inspired people, I think is really important to know," she said.
The tradition of placing hockey sticks on porches, which began after the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, continues to show support for affected families. Bernadine noted that some Albertans still display sticks following recent hockey-related tragedies in Stavely and near Jasper. "Having the sticks on the jersey and the T-shirt this year is important," she added, highlighting how these symbols connect communities.
As Green Shirt Day approaches on April 7, the Boulet family continues their mission to honor Logan's memory while encouraging Canadians to consider organ donation registration. Their campaign demonstrates how personal tragedy can transform into a powerful movement for positive change, saving lives and creating meaningful conversations about this crucial healthcare issue.
