Sault Ste. Marie to Host Kidney Walk on September 21, 2025

The Kidney Walk is set to return to Sault Ste. Marie on September 21, 2025, bringing together supporters to raise awareness and funds for kidney disease. The event will take place at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion, with registration starting at 09:00 and the walk commencing at 10:00. This annual gathering aims to unite individuals impacted by kidney disease, whether to support loved ones, celebrate transplants, or honor those lost to the condition.

According to Mary-Pat Shaw, President of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch, the Kidney Walks are vital for fostering community. She stated, “The Kidney Walks really are the highlight of the year. They are a place where people living with kidney disease feel loved and supported by their family and friends.” Over the past two years, these walks have raised more than $1 million annually to support the organization’s mission.

The personal stories shared at these events resonate deeply with participants. Neeta Marwah, a resident of Sault Ste. Marie, reflected on her experience from last year’s walk, shortly after her husband received a living donor transplant. “It was an emotional and uplifting experience,” Marwah said. “We plan to walk every year—to raise awareness, build community, and support others on similar journeys.”

Kidney disease affects over 4 million Canadians, with various risk factors including genetics, diabetes, and high blood pressure. There is no cure for kidney failure, and affected individuals often require dialysis or a transplant to survive. The average wait time for a deceased donor kidney in Ontario remains approximately four years, underscoring the challenges faced by those living with kidney disease.

The funds raised from the Kidney Walks enable the Kidney Foundation to support world-class research and vital programs. Shaw emphasized, “The Kidney Foundation supports Canadians at every step of their kidney disease journey. Whether it is providing emotional support through our peer support program, emergency financial assistance or information to help navigate kidney disease, we want Canadians to know that we are here to help.”

This year, the walk has gained additional support from EVA Air, which will sponsor prizes for participants. For every $250 raised online, participants will receive a ballot for a chance to win a voucher for two return economy class tickets from Toronto to select destinations serviced by EVA Air.

The Kidney Foundation expresses gratitude towards its national partner, Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc., as well as national media sponsor Yes TV and prize sponsor EVA Air for their support in making the Kidney Walk a success.

To learn more about the event, register, or donate, please visit www.kidneywalk.ca. The community eagerly anticipates this opportunity to come together for a cause that impacts so many lives.