Local Kidney Walk organizers boost fundraising goal after donations pour in

Sault Kidney Walk officials have jacked up their fundraising target figure in advance of this year’s annual Walk that takes place this Sunday.

After individuals and teams stepped up with donations the Kidney Walk had quickly surpassed its local target of $30,000 as of Sept. 11 with $31,071 raised.

The official goal as of Tuesday, Sept. 17 was $45,000.

That new goal had almost been reached by Tuesday afternoon, according to the Kidney Walk’s website.

Tanis McMillan, Kidney Walk fund development officer informed SooToday by email Tuesday that the goal is $50,000 after the local Walk raised an unprecedented high of $56,000 in 2023.

Local contractor Mike Moore wants to see $60,000 raised locally in honour of The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s annual Kidney Walk.

The annual event is held in communities across the country at various times throughout the year and raises funds for kidney disease research. 

As reported earlier, participation in the Kidney Walk is personal for Moore who undergoes dialysis treatments at Sault Area Hospital three days a week.

Moore’s wife Fern is also determined to participate in this year’s Walk, intending to roll through the event in a wheelchair after suffering a recent ankle injury.

Participants in this year’s local Kidney Walk start off from the Roberta Bondar Pavilion at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Registration takes place at 9 a.m. The Walk heads west to the Sault’s Canal District then back to the Pavilion for refreshments and a time to socialize. 

All funds raised by the local Kidney Walk stay local.

Organizers are also encouraging people to sign donor cards.

The full text of a release, including contact information, a link to the Kidney Walk’s website and how to sign a donor card follows.

The Kidney Foundation will host its 19th annual Kidney Walk this Sunday Sept. 22. The five kilometre walk will take place beginning at 10 a.m. sharp from the beautiful Roberta Bondar Pavilion, touring along the canal, and back to the pavilion for refreshments. Having achieved an unprecedented $56,000 in 2023 we have a target of $50,000 this year but would be ecstatic if we could surpass our goal.

Mike Moore, a dialysis patient in Sault Ste. Marie will be attending the Kidney Walk and will be ‘walking and rolling’ with wife Fern in a borrowed wheelchair after suffering a recent ankle injury leaving her unable to walk the five kilometre route on Sunday. Mike and Fern are determined to attend, and Mike has sent out a plea to the Sault Ste. Marie Construction Association for donations and so far they have responded well. With room to grow, Mike has his eyes set on beating last year's target and reaching $60,000 this year to celebrate and honour the 60th Anniversary of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. 

Donations for the Sault Ste. Marie Kidney Walk remain local, and can be made online by visiting www.kidneywalk.ca or in-person at the walk this Sunday Sept. 22. Any questions regarding the walk or how to make a donation can be directed to Tannis McMillan by email. at tannis.mcmillan@kidney.ca

Kidney Disease affects 1 in 10. Sign your donor card today at www.beadonor.ca