Photo courtesy kidneywalk.ca

By Jeff Henson

KIDNEY WALK 2022

Grande Prairie’s Kidney Walk moving once again to virtual event for 2022

May 12, 2022 | 12:58 PM

The Kidney Foundation of Northern Alberta and the Territories hopes a change in plans for this year’s Kidney Walk in Grande Prairie will lead to more registrants in the annual fundraiser.

Set for June 11th, it was originally going to be an in-person event at Muskoseepi Park.

But Executive Director Flavia Robles de la Fuente says they are moving it to a virtual event, much like last year, which will allow people to participate from anywhere.

“We are still hoping that we can all walk in solidarity. But it was a decision that was made just to protect those that are immuno-compromised. But we really hope that everyone from Grande Prairie will be able to step up and support the programs and the services that we provide.”

Robles de la Fuente says they hope to return to an in-person walk in Grande Prairie in 2023.

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She adds participants can walk either 2 or 5 km, or run 10 km during this family-friendly event.

“You are encouraged to walk with your dog, push a stroller or someone in a wheelchair. Everyone is welcome and we just want to make sure that everyone remains safe.”

“The event itself is really about raising awareness about chronic kidney disease and the importance of organ donation and transplantation.”

Robles de la Fuente says their goal is to raise $30,000 through the Grande Prairie event but adds they will need more participants to register in order to do that.

“There have been those that have been registered on teams. To register, you can go to www.kidneywalk.ca where you can click on Northern Alberta and Territories, and then from locations, you can find Grande Prairie. “

“So far, we only have a handful of individuals that are currently registered.”

Robles de la Fuente is encouraging individuals, groups of friends, and businesses to put together teams for this year’s walk.

She admits they are disappointed to not be having an in-person walk this year, adding the decision to change to a virtual walk was made just earlier this week.

Money raised from the event goes towards programs and services offered by the Kidney Foundation, including several that are available to residents of the Peace region.

Robles de la Fuente says they have assisted several families from the Grande Prairie region that have had to travel to and stay in the Edmonton area for kidney-related appointments and treatments.