For the past seven years, Olivia has been a dedicated BC Transplant volunteer, sharing Alistair's story at countless organ donation awareness events. She talks about Alistair and her family's journey with passion, strength and courage – encouraging every person she speaks with to understand the importance of organ donation. Despite their grief, she focuses on how this experience has given them strength, knowing that Alistair's legacy lives on in others.
“My volunteer work has been more instrumental in my life than I ever would have thought possible. In the early days, it was a huge part of my healing process. It was a way for me to feel connected to organ donation and to my brother. It provided me insight into the full circle effect of organ donation and connected me with an entire community of people. Each volunteering event is unique and special, and each one holds a special place in my heart," shares Olivia.
Olivia and Alistair's parents Barry and Emma also volunteer and advocate for organ donation. Together, they are an incredible testament to the power of organ donation. The Hayne family resides on Salt Spring Island and volunteers for many opportunities on the Island and often travel into the Lower Mainland for speaking engagements.
(Emma, Barry and Olivia Hayne with Alistair)
Alistair Hayne was only 16 when he tragically died in an accident and his organs helped save the lives of five individuals. It was a heartbreaking time for the Hayne family and it was an emotional journey to discover they had the opportunity to give the gift of life.
28-year-old Olivia says Alistair is her angel, and his gifts became such an important and impactful part of their healing journey.
“I think the moment I knew I wanted to become more involved in the transplant community was after I had attended the Canadian Transplant Games in Vancouver in 2018," comments Olivia. “This was the first transplant event my family and I had attended and it really was the catalyst for us to recognize just how special this community is. During this event, I noticed that there seemed to be very few donor families present. I witnessed how the recipients interacted with us, and how much our presence meant to them. I hoped that by volunteering more as a donor family member, I could inspire others to do the same."
BC Transplant's volunteer program has 180 dedicated volunteers who each have a connection to organ donation and transplantation. The primary goal of the volunteer program is to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage British Columbians to register their decision and have conversations with their family and friends about their wishes.
Alicia Di Cesare, BC Transplant projects and volunteer experience lead, has worked with Olivia since she first started volunteering.
“Olivia is a deeply valued and inspiring volunteer with BC Transplant," says Alicia. “She brings a heartfelt and powerful perspective from donor families, offering an important voice that isn't always been part of the conversation. While transplant recipients are rightly celebrated as medical success stories, the legacies of donors and the difficult emotional journeys of their families are not often discussed. Through her kindness, leadership, and advocacy, Olivia's helping to create more awareness around organ donation and inspiring others to register—honouring donors and helping save more lives."
(Alicia Di Cesare, Lead, projects and volunteer experience with Olivia)
Olivia has a leading role in province-wide awareness campaigns, changing how people view organ donation through the lens of a donor family member. She often speaks to healthcare professionals as part of their continuing education, and shares her story through workplace campaigns, community events and media interviews.
Every year, Olivia and her parents attend BC Transplant's annual donor medal ceremonies, where families receive a medal honouring their loved one's gifts of life. Supporting other donor families is also healing for the Haynes and gives them a chance to create space for donor families to interact with recipients. That connection with recipients has played such an important role in their own grief journey. Olivia's goal is to help develop resources to connect donor families with one another
“I have always hoped that by sharing Alistair's story, I could inspire someone else out there. I think that by sharing what life as a donor family is like, it provides insight into a side of the journey that isn't always as talked about. I know that within my close friends and family, organ donation has been a part of many more conversations. I hope that by doing so, I can continue to remove stigma, share insight and empower others," Olivia offers.
Olivia shares that she is incredible grateful and honoured to be recognized for her volunteer work.
“It feels deeply special to be reminded of just how important this work is and the impact it has on others," she adds.
Congratulations again, Olivia!
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BC Transplant's volunteer team includes organ recipients, donor family members and living donors. If you're interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities,
visit our website for more information.
