George Marcello’s new challenge

An information and awareness campaign of unprecedented scope will attempt to convince Canadians to donate organs and to pressure governments and parliaments to pass laws addressing, once and for all, the tragic problem of transplant waiting lists.
George Marcello is again getting busy, with his characteristic energy. The campaign will be launched in mid-September, but there is a lot of work to do, especially because, he swears, “this time we shall really pull out all the stops.” The Italian-Canadian founder of Step by Step does not show his hand, but rumours are starting to circulate. Possibly even a big concert with some great names of pop and rock music, not unlike Bob Geldof’s Live8. On this, however, Marcello does not comment.
What’s for sure is that the engine is revving up, but it still needs fuelling. “We are planning to start in September,” says Marcello, “with the biggest campaign ever conducted by our organization: over 100 students across Canada will carry the Torch of Life, which over the years has become the symbol of our advocacy in favour of organ donation. Each of these students will champion our cause in his or her own community, and it will all culminate in a great event that will hopefully help attract public attention and possible wake some conscience up.” All this, however, requires money, as Marcello well knows. “SOS 4000 [the name chosen for the campaign, with reference to the 4,000 Canadians waiting for a transplant] needs support, so we are placing boxes in several Toronto stores: if those who agree with our aims parted with a few coins, all together that would generate the funds needed for our continuing action.”
Among the first to respond, the Italian-Canadian chain California Sandwiches. “We are honoured to lend a hand to George,” explained Carmela Papa, spokesperson for the chain. “After all, we’ve tried to assist Step by Step since 1999, and our collaboration has become particularly intense with the ‘Kristopher’s Wish’ campaign. Our seven restaurants will host the collection boxes, and we hope that other GTA businesses will follow our example.”
The challenge goes on, despite any disappointment, such as the one Marcello suffered on the occasion of the formation of a committee of experts established by Ontario Health minister George Smitherman. “I met with committee chair Ted Boadway, offering our collaboration, but to date, two weeks after that meeting, we have yet to hear from them. Apparently, the consultations they have been organizing are drawing little or no public, except for people paid to show up. We shall continue, however, with or without help from the Province.”