News

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a proud strategic partner in the Living Donor Circle of Excellence program, an internationally recognized initiative, in collaboration with the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the Canadian Society of Transplantation (CST).

This program celebrates and recognizes employers that demonstrate leadership by supporting employees who choose to become living organ donors. By removing financial barriers and ensuring donors receive at least 80% wage replacement during their recovery, Circle of Excellence (CoE) members help make the decision to save a life more accessible and equitable.

In Alberta, The Kidney Foundation’s Alberta Branches have made a strategic commitment to expand and strengthen the CoE program across the province. As part of our mandate to improve organ donation and transplantation, we are taking an active leadership role to grow participation, build partnerships, and advance company policies that support living donors.

Through a formal partnership with the Government of Alberta, The Kidney Foundation has been tasked to guide the development, awareness, and long-term sustainability of the CoE program in Alberta. The Government of Alberta has invested to support the program's growth, and in the first year, The Kidney Foundation developed comprehensive onboarding tools, outreach strategies, and program resources that build awareness and excitement and encourage enrollment. These efforts ensure that finances are not a barrier for those willing to give the Gift of Life.

Our goal is to make Alberta a leader in living organ donation by ensuring organ donors are protected and supported. By partnering with employers, government, and the broader transplant community, The Kidney Foundation is helping create a culture where living donation is celebrated and where every Albertan who wants to make the ultimate gift of living donation can do so without financial hardship.

We welcome the opportunity to work with organizations across Alberta to expand the Circle of Excellence program to better support living donors.