The Kidney Foundation broke a local fundraising record following the Grande Prairie Kidney Walk.
On Sunday, June 14, hundreds showed up to Muskoseepi Park to participate in the Kidney Walk.
Community Engagement Manager for Grande Prairie and the region, Krysta Gendreau says that the event is more than just a fundraiser.
“It’s grown year over year, it feels great to know it’s not just about a walk and fundraising, it’s about showing up for each other. To know that the community is growing and more and more people come out every year and receiving support, it’s really wonderful.”
During the event, Gendreau mentioned that she had someone come up to her saying that she had no one to talk too about her kidney journey, and then found this event through social media.
“It’s a lonely journey for people when they are diagnosed with kidney disease, or are undergoing a transplant, or donating an organ. To be able to have the visibility and the awareness and a way to connect with people in the community, it’s vital.”
As of Tuesday, June 16, a total of $36,522 has been raised from the event. However, Participants can still continue fundraising for a bit longer.
“It was pretty incredible. It was our largest Kidney Walk to date, and our biggest fundraising total, I couldn’t be happier.”
Gendreau says that they plan to do the walk again next year.
