Bertram Loeb, 86, who a half century ago launched the IGA supermarket network, has made a $1 million donation to help increase public awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation in Canada.

"I was very surprised to learn that Canada is 16th in organ donation transplants and the top country was Spain," said Loeb. "I felt if I could use this money to increase the rate of donations and move ahead not only in our standings, but in our ability to provide a much-needed level of organ transplants, then it will be good."

Loeb's gift will fund the Bertram Loeb Organ Tissue Donation Institute, based at Ottawa Hospital. Loeb also donated $25,000 to be used as an annual award to stimulate positive action in support of organ-tissue donation.