B.C. transplant recipient shucking up big time to support organ donation [Video]

April is an important month for Matt Thompson. The restaurateur is raising money and awareness for organ donation.

“(We’re going) to donate 25 cents an oyster after 6:00 p.m. for the whole month,” Thompson, who owns Smitty’s Oyster House in Vancouver, told Global’s This is BC.

“We sell a lot of oysters.”

Two years ago Thompson’s life was saved after receiving a liver transplant. Years of alcoholism had taken its toll leaving him with Stage-4 liver disease.

“You progressively deteriorate to a point where you can’t walk, and you can’t use your hands. Even mental function goes away,” Thompson added. “You know you’re dying. You’re very aware of it,” he said.

“I kind of feel like I want to pay it back for my surgery. As long as I live and I’m in business and I can help, I’m going to raise money.”

As the disease progressed, Thompson’s family and friends were desperately waiting for …