The City of Lethbridge recently commemorated Green Shirt Day as it prepares to honor the legacy of Logan Boulet, who tragically lost his life in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. This poignant event was marked by the awarding of King Charles III’s Coronation Medal to his parents, Toby and Bernadine Boulet, for their relentless advocacy promoting organ donation across Canada. The awards, presented on March 11, 2025, served as recognition for their powerful advocacy efforts following the heartbreaking loss of their son.
Logan Boulet was one of the 16 victims of the Humboldt Broncos disaster, which occurred on April 6, 2018. After his passing, he became a beacon of hope for many, as his decision to become an organ donor saved the lives of six individuals. Toby and Bernadine, proud of their son's legacy, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition they received. “Just to know people still support us...,” Bernadine expressed, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Logan. Their efforts have inspired countless others to register as organ donors, catalyzing what has been termed the "Logan Boulet Effect." Nearly 150,000 Canadians have registered their decision since Logan’s untimely death.
Joyce Van Deurzen, the Executive Director of the southern Alberta and Saskatchewan branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, nominated the Boulets for the Coronation Medal. “We’re so inspired by the legacy of Logan, but also the work his family has done ever since. It was a cause they didn’t ask to be a part of; it came to them,” Van Deurzen stated, highlighting the significant impact the Boulets' advocacy has had on society's views on organ donation.
At the medal presentation, Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen had the privilege of handing over the awards. “When they asked about presenting this medal, I thought, ‘me’? How am I going to present this to these guys?” he shared, visibly moved by the honor. The mayor emphasized the life-saving nature of Logan's decision to be an organ donor, stating, “There’s been some incredible life” spawned from such tragedy. His words underscored the importance of fostering a culture of organ donation, marking it as “the natural process” for families to embrace.
March 11 marked not only the award ceremony but also the launch of this year’s Green Shirt Day campaign logo. The logo, featuring a silhouette of Logan Boulet taking a slapshot, is emblematic of the spirit of the Humboldt Broncos and their community. This year’s campaign encourages Canadians to register as organ donors, urging them to carry forth Logan's legacy. “Our hope is today’s launch of Green Shirt Day 2025 will spur conversations between families and friends,” noted Bernadine, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories to inspire new donors.
The design of the logo was created by Geoffrey Kehrig, who grew up watching the Broncos play. “He has such reverence for the team and was deeply affected by the tragedy,” Toby explained, praising the artist’s efforts. The logo was inspired by the iconic moment captured by photographer Richard Peterson on March 31, 2018, of Logan scoring during his last playoff game.
The Boulet family expressed gratitude during the event for the continued support they receive from their community. “It’s really hard to acknowledge the fact almost seven years have slipped by since Logan passed. His legacy continues to strengthen as we cherish his remembering grin and giving nature,” expressed Toby. Their daughter, Mariko Boulet-Couture, also shared her reflections, highlighting the importance of the values instilled by Logan’s memory and the family’s continuous work promoting organ donation awareness.
On April 7, the Boulets will host their annual Free Skate event at the Logan Boulet Arena from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., inviting the community to come together to celebrate Logan's memory and promote the cause of organ donation. This event not only reinforces the Boulet family’s commitment to their son’s legacy, but it also serves as a financial resource to support Green Shirt Day, the Canadian Transplant Association, and the Logan Boulet Endowment Fund. “It’s important for all of us to continue to have conversations about organ donation,” Bernadine emphasized.
The legacy of Logan Boulet and the continued efforts of his family serve to remind us all of the power of generosity and selflessness, illustrating how one act of kindness can resonate far beyond its initial impact and inspire entire communities to change. Green Shirt Day serves as both a memorial and a rallying cry for the importance of organ donation, with Logan’s story at its heart.