The 2017 Kidney Walk marks a decade of walks put on by the Kidney Foundation.
The walks across the country kick-off Sunday, September 24th with events in Terrace and Williams Lake.
Prince George will be hosting a Walk on October 29th at UNBC’s Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre.
Over the last 10 years, British Columbians have walked 26-million kilometres and raised more than $2 million in support of kidney patients and their families.
“10 years ago, a special group of people, known as the Sons of Scotland, initiated a ‘Tartan Stroll’ around Trout Lake in Vancouver, which became the impetus behind The Kidney Walk campaign as we know it today.” says Pia Schindler, Executive Director, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch.
“It was one of those things that started small bu caight on in a way nobody really expected,” says former Grand Chief Jim Bain, Sons of Scotland. “We felt that The Kidney Foundation was under-supported at the time and we’ve been backers ever since. We are proud to see the growth and success of The Kidney Walk over the last 10 years and to continue to play an active role in The Kidney Walk today.”
The goal for the Kidney Walk is to raise awareness of kidney health and organ donation, and provide critical funds to support programs and services.
“The Kidney Walk has grown to become one of our biggest success stories, with upwards of 4,000 participants and volunteers in 16 communities across BC and the Yukon.” says Schindler.
One in 10 Canadians has kidney disease, which has no cure and is undetectable in the early stages.