• The 2025 York Region Kidney Walk takes place Sept. 20 at Richmond Green Park.
  • More than $27,000 has already been raised toward the local event’s $40,000 goal.
  • Funds support the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s research initiatives, financial assistance and peer support programs, education campaigns, and advocacy.
  • In 2024, York Region raised over $35,000; nationally, the Kidney Walk brought in $3.3 million.
  • An estimated 4.1 million Canadians are living with, or are at risk of, kidney disease.
  • Event information, registration, and opportunities to donate are available online.

 

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is returning to York Region this weekend for its largest annual community fundraiser, as residents prepare to gather at Richmond Green Park in Richmond Hill for the 2025 Kidney Walk.

The walk takes place Saturday, Sept. 20, with registration opening at 9 a.m. and the event kicking off at 10 a.m. So far, local participants and teams have raised more than $27,000 toward a $40,000 goal.

This year’s walk is one of 29 in-person and virtual events happening across Ontario. The Kidney Walk has become a cornerstone of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, uniting families, transplant recipients, patients, and supporters in a show of solidarity for those living with kidney disease.

In 2024, more than 4,600 people took part in over 100 walks across the country, raising $3.3 million. York Region’s event alone drew 100 participants and brought in more than $35,000, with Ontario collectively raising over $1 million.

Funds raised support both research and direct services for patients. The Foundation invested over $3.7 million in research through 102 grants last year, advancing innovative work on diagnostics, treatments, and transplants. Additionally, more than $1 million was distributed in short-term financial assistance to help patients facing immediate challenges. Further Foundation programs include peer support efforts, education and organ donor campaigns, and advocacy for fair access to health care.

Despite significant progress in research and treatment over recent decades, kidney disease remains a serious public health issue. An estimated 4.1 million Canadians are living with, or are at risk of, the disease.

There is no cure for kidney failure. For Ontarians that qualify, the average wait time for a deceased donor kidney is approximately four years. Until a donor kidney becomes available, patients must rely on dialysis treatment multiple times a week.

Since its founding in 1964, the Kidney Foundation has been driven by a mission to improve kidney health, support patients and their families, and push for a future free of kidney disease. The organization traces its beginnings to Montreal, where the family of architect Morty Tarder established the Foundation after his death from kidney disease at a time when dialysis and transplants were still experimental.

The York Region Kidney Walk offers more than a chance to raise funds. Organizers say it is also a time for residents to honour loved ones, celebrate transplant successes, and connect with others on similar journeys.

“We are asking people to get behind the ones they love and join our kidney community on September 20,” said Daniela Piotrowski, Kidney Foundation Director of Philanthropy and Community Development, in comments to Bullet Point News. “Pre-register for the Kidney Walk at www.kidneywalk.ca, fundraise online, and come to Richmond Green Park to show your support.”

 

Cover image provided by and used with permission from the Kidney Foundation of Canada