The Kidney Foundation is organizing a virtual walk in September to raise money to support people with kidney disease across the province. Kidney Walks are the corner-stone of the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s fundraising efforts. Through the nationwide walks, Canadians stand together to raise funds for innovative research, crucial programs, and services that support people living with kidney disease. According to the Kidney Foundation, there are current 12,000 people in Ontario who have advanced kidney disease who require dialysis, and 10,000 Ontarians have chronic kidney disease requiring pre-dialysis.
As of February 18, 2020, there were 1,201 people waiting for a kidney or kidney pancreas transplant in Ontario.
This year’s virtual walk with be taking place on Sunday, September 27. The Kidney Foundation’s Special Events Coordinator, Mary Gebre, says the event will be kicked off by a pre-recorded virtual opening ceremony. Then participants can do the roughly 5km walk in the safety of their own neighbourhoods. Mary encourages the North Grenville community to participate in the walk and use #kidneywalkcanada and tag Kidney Ontario on social media to connect with other participants across the province.
She says it is even more important to support those with kidney disease this year. The pandemic has affected many people’s ability to pay for sometimes expensive food and transportation costs associated with kidney disease treatment. “These funds can help them through these difficult times,” Mary says.
To participate in this year’s walk, go to www.kidneywalk.ca, where you can register as an individual or sign up to be part of an existing team. All monies raised will be going to the Kidney Foundation to help those in the community living with kidney disease, raise awareness, and fund research to one day find a cure.
