| Posted: Wednesday, Sep 05, 2012 06:00 am
The Kidney Foundation is hoping for good weather and many friends this weekend, as it sets up for another fundraising event in an annual series.
Flavia Robles, director of development with the Northern Alberta branch of the national agency, explained that the foundation came up with the theme because there’s no greater gift that people can give than the gift of life.
“We’re trying to let people know that the Kidney Foundation is here to support the patients, we’re here to make a difference and an impact in the lives of those affected by kidney disease,” she said. “Kidney disease is a terminal disease. Most people don’t realize that. There’s no chance of going into remission.”
“The walks are promoting and just raising awareness about the fact that everyone can consider giving the gift of life, talking to their families and thinking about organ donation.”
So far, more than $21,000 has been pledged toward the overall goal of $25,000 with almost 50 people signed up to make either the two-kilometre walk or the five-kilometre run.
The registration fee is $25 and Robles said that everyone – even those with walkers or skateboards – can participate. Children under 12 are free.
The Give the Gift of Life Fun Run and Walk takes place in various locations around the province on Sunday, Sept. 9. In St. Albert, the event starts at 10:30 a.m. at Lions Park. A lunch will be provided plus there will be door prizes and entertainment. All participants will get a complimentary tote bag.
For more information, call the foundation at 780-451-6900 or visit www.kidney.ab.ca.
Sisters’ SIDS walk results
Two Calahoo sisters who took a family tragedy and tried to make something positive of it scored a success back in July.
With the help of their stepmother Samantha Routh, Bree and Demi Wildman gathered family, friends and community members to raise nearly $6,000 during a walkathon in memory of their brother, Bryce, who died in the summer of 2011 because of sudden infant death syndrome. He was 10 months old.
Lori Wildman, Bree and Demi's mother, says that one good turn should deserve another and she wants the event to happen on a yearly basis.
“I’m hoping that it’s going to be an annual thing,” she stated. “We were surprised. It went very well.”
She also paid thanks to Calahoo Meats for sponsoring the post-walk barbecue.
Members of the public can support the cause by visiting www.sidscanada.org.
