The Owen Kidney Walk occurred on Saturday, September 9th, at Harrison Park. Together, Walkers raised $6,300 for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Mayor Boddy was on hand to thank walkers and take a photo with our Champion Sponsor, Judy Stobbe, with Owen Sound Ledgerock.

This fall across Ontario, the kidney community is uniting to support their loved ones living with kidney disease at the annual Kidney Walk. 

 It’s a time to celebrate, make connections, remember, and support one another to demonstrate the strength of the kidney community. Owen Sound is one of twenty-eight Ontario communities hosting a walk this fall.

“The Kidney Walk is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, last year raising over $735,000,” said Dr. Norman Muirhead, President of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch. “Kidney Walks are a special opportunity for families and friends to rally to support their loved ones affected by kidney disease. When our community comes together, it is incredibly inspiring. We’re excited to reconnect with our walk community and welcome new participants at this year’s walk,” added Muirhead.

1 in 10 Canadians has kidney disease and millions more are at risk. Kidney disease is treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant; no cure exists. Over 12,000 Ontarians depend on life-sustaining dialysis treatments several times a week; many are waiting for a kidney transplant.

A diagnosis of kidney disease changes lives and affects the entire family. For some, it means losing hours of the week to dialysis, which affects opportunities to work, travel or spend time with loved ones.   

The need for support continues to be great as individuals with kidney disease face emotional, financial, and physical challenges. The funds raised from the Kidney Walk are vital to delivering the Foundation’s mission. “From education to peer support, financial assistance to funding research, The Kidney Foundation is here to support all Canadians affected by kidney disease, no matter where they are in their journey,” said Muirhead.  “We count on, and are truly grateful to, our Walk participants and donors to help us achieve these goals.”

The Kidney Foundation is grateful to our national sponsor, Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc., national supporter, Horizon Therapeutics Canada and provincial partners AIM/Kenny U-Pull and Yes TV for supporting the Kidney Walk.  Locally, we would also like to thank Champion Sponsor Owen Sound Ledgerock and Strider-level sponsor Barnard’s Truck Sales and Services.