Kidney walkers across the province are hoping to raise $2.6 million for the Kidney Foundation of Canada's Ontario branch.
Sarnia's event is on Sunday at the Canatara Park Kiwanis Pavilion.
Fund and Community Development Officer for Kidney Foundation of Canada, Sarnia-Lambton Chapter Matthew Rose said funds will go towards vital programs supporting those living with kidney disease.
"For kidney research through the foundation itself for kidney disease, transplant patients and dialysis research," said Rose. "We also have a local contingent of about 48 patients at Bluewater Health in our dialysis unit, and some of those funds go directly back to the patients towards support, transportation, food insecurity and short-term financial assistance."
Rose said they've already surpassed their goal, twice.
"So we started out with a goal of $30,000. We were able to see that being reached about two weeks ago and we raised it up $40,000. We are a little bit over $46,000 right now and counting," said Rose.
Participants can register online at www.kidneywalk.ca, or the day of beginning at 9 a.m.
The walk itself is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
Rose said walkers can choose their own pace.
"We have two options, there's a one kilometre and a five kilometre walk," he said. "We enjoy anybody who wants to come out and support, be a part of the walk itself. If you're interested in donating, willing to donate wonderful, if not, and you just want to come out and enjoy the walk, that's fine as long as you're registered."
According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, one in 10 Canadians has Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), but it often goes underrecognized.
