Swift Current city council has voted to recognize those who give the most precious gifts this week, with Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week.

On Monday, council was presented with a proclamation by Sammy Khalife from the Refugee Committee, to declare April 24 to April 30 as a week to recognize those who require donation and those who graciously donate what is needed.

Khalife, who is himself waiting for a transplant, spoke about how during the pandemic, many people were affected, especially those who were waiting for hearts and other organs.

"I was in a group of eight people from Edmonton, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and B.C," revealed Khalife. "Two of those people got a heart. But [that was] before the pandemic hit, and five died. I'm the only one alive right now out of the group."

The pandemic saw an increase in risk for those who were already cautious of infection while waiting for their hearts and other transplants. COVID-19 saw that risk redoubled, as these individuals were left especially susceptible to infection.

Another issue was that the increased pressure on the medical system and its infrastructure even lead to some hearts not making it to donors in time before they expired.

After these two pandemic riddled years, Khalife thinks it is especially important to recognize those who have had to isolate themselves while they wait for their donor organs.

"I encourage you if you know someone waiting for an organ, please, keep them in your thoughts," Khalife requested. "Give them a call, write them a letter. The pandemic was mentally draining. It's isolated a lot of people because they worry that they will get something."

If you would like to learn more about organ donations and how they work, you can visit the official page for Saskatchewan here.