Trail's annual Kidney Walk set for Aug. 25 at Gyro
By Haley Clarke
Join Trail’s annual Kidney Walk this Aug. 25 at Gyro Park, beginning at 9 a.m.
What’s the Kidney Walk campaign?
The annual Kidney Walk raises funds for critical programs and services for British Columbians affected by kidney disease. The Kidney Walk also helps to raise awareness and education about the seriousness of this disease and the importance of organ donation.
Thousands of volunteers and participants in 20 communities across BC during August to October will join the Kidney Walk movement this year. These great local events feature live entertainment, prizes, fundraising barbeques, silent auctions and much more. But most importantly, walkers, runners and paddlers alike come out and show their support for kidney patients and their families.
Supporting people with kidney disease: why is it important?
· Kidney disease is a serious disease that has no cure.
· It is a disease that is both under-recognized and undetectable in its early stages yet has increased at an alarming rate of over 60% within the last 10 years.
· Kidney disease affects 1 in 10 Canadians. Over 250,000 British Columbians have chronic kidney disease, and many may not even know it.
· 18,000 kidney patients are on dialysis every year, and many spend up to 20 hours a week on dialysis in order to live.
· Right now, there are approximately 380 kidney patients in BC on the transplant waitlist. Sadly some will die waiting.
How can you help?
· Be a Kidney Walk volunteer. We need volunteers now in communities from Prince George to Comox and everywhere in between to help make this year’s Kidney Walk campaign a success.
· Sponsor the Kidney Walk. We are asking businesses across BC, big and small, to support The Kidney Walk in their local community and help those living with kidney disease.
· Participate in the Kidney Walk. You can sign up as an individual or be part of a team. Register now at www.kidney.ca/bcwalks. Registration is free.
About the Kidney Foundation
We exist to help British Columbians understand their risk for kidney disease and offer the necessary support until there is a cure. The Kidney Foundation of Canada has been helping Canadians since 1964, and in BC alone, we are 7,000 volunteers strong. We are the organization of choice supporting people affected by kidney disease and the funds we raise provide education and support; increased public awareness of kidney health and organ donation as well as ongoing research that provides hope and an enhanced quality of life for kidney patients.
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