At the end of the month members of the Lethbridge community are invited to come together to raise funds and awareness about organ donation during the Lethbridge Kidney Walk.
Michelle Hofer Manager of Communications and Community Development for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Southern Alberta Branch says the event is an important one for the Lethbridge kidney and transplant community; with the money raised supporting direct services, supports and programs.
“Every dollar we raise is going to be going back into those who need it most. Right now we know that there has been an increase in requests for short-term financial assistance in the southern Alberta area and our kidney patients are definitely in need of that support from those who participate and fundraise at the walk,” Hofer says. “One example is a person who participates in our Kidney Walk, we were able to provide and cover the cost of a scooter battery, a mobility scooter for them, which they would never have been able to afford on their own.”
Hofer adds that those who receive support from the funds raised mean a lot to these patients, with this patient in particular now having the freedom to come out and take part in the upcoming walk.
This year the organization has set a $15,000 fundraising goal. Hofer says that goal was set by looking at amounts they have previously achieved and they think are currently achievable.
“Every dollar brings us one step closer to improving the future of those affected by kidney disease in our communities. Any additional funds we raise are even better because, again, now we can invest some of that into Canadian research programs that will further assist people.”
“It’s really great to provide that crucial financial assistance to those directly impacted.”
The Kidney walk is set for May 31st and will start at the horseshoe pit at Henderson Lake, and can do one lap around the lake which is 3 kilometres or two laps which is 6 kilometres. Registration for the walk will start at 9 a.m. with the walk kicking off at 10 a.m.
More information can be found here.
