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We are incredibly proud of our Kidney March Family. Every conversation, every tweet, every facebook status, every newspaper feature and every shout out has helped spread the word about Kidney March far and wide, and for that, we are beyond grateful. We welcome you with open arms to be as Kidney March connected as possible. There is an amazing community with a strong voice out there and you can find it all here. Read our blog below for our News and Community updates and stay connected.

Want to get to know a few of your fellow Marchers? Visit our 'Marcher Stories' page under 'The Cause' to read more!

Kidney March in the News! To read and watch past news storries on our event and participants visit our 'Media' page.


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5 Amazing Prize Draws all November Long

Kidney March and our supporters want to say thank you to those who have already committed to Kidney March 2026 and we hope others will join the excitement too! This November, we will be hosting 5 Amazing Prize Draws exclusively for participants who have registered early for Kidney March 2026. 

Here’s how it works:

Each registered participant for Kidney March 2026 will automatically receive five prize draw ballots. You can use them however you like! Spread them out across five different prizes, or put all five ballots toward one prize you really want!

We will be drawing prizes at random all through November, leading up to the Trailblazer Registration Deadline on December 1st. You never know which prize will be drawn next, so register early and get your ballots in so you don’t miss out!

 

Want even more chances to win?

Build your team or get others to join you! Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to join the Kidney March adventure with you! When someone you invite registers for 2026 (as a Marcher or Crew member), you’ll earn 20 bonus draw entries. And here’s the best part, they can invite others too and earn more entries of their own! Tell us who you invited, and once their registration is confirmed, you’ll earn your bonus entries.
Disclaimer: Bonus entries apply only when the person you invite is a new 2026 Marcher or Crew member (They cannot be already registered. They do not have to be a first-time participant).

Get Social! Follow @KidneyMarch and watch for our November Prize posts. Then tag a friend on Facebook or Instagram in the post comments, mention which prize you’d like to enter the draw for and you’ll automatically earn a ballot for that prize!
(Registered participants only. Example: @tagfriend – Draw Prize #1)


The Five Incredible Prizes Up for Grabs!

Prize Option #1  – Escape Room Gift Voucher for up to 4 players

Grab your friends and dive into an Escape Room adventure! You’ll have one hour to solve clues, uncover secrets, and make your daring escape before the clock runs out. Thank you to Arcadia Adventures for donating this fun experience valued at $110!

 

Prize Option #2 – 1 of 4, 60 minute massages

Take a break, relax and unwind, thanks to Dr. Josip from Momentum Health and Wellness. Enjoy a 60 minute massage, there are 4 chances for you to win! Valued at approx $120 each.

 

Prize Option #3 – Head to Toe Kidney March 

Show off your Kidney March pride and get decked out in Kidney March gear. Take home a new toque, tank top, sweater, leggings or sweats and shoelaces. Valued at $160. 

 

Prize Option #4 – 24 Pack of Tall Boys

Get ready to host for the holidays with a variety pack of 24 tall boy beers brewed by of our friends at Prairie Dog Brewing. Valued at $110. 

 

Prize Option #5 – $100 Winners Giftcard

Get a jump on your holiday shopping or treat yourself with a $100 giftcard from Winners! 


Ready to submit your ballots?

Let us know what prize(s) caught your eye. All registered participants for 2026 automatically have 5 ballots to use. Reach out to kidneymarch@kidney.ca to submit your entries. 

 

The Fine Print

Prize Limit: Participants may enter multiple prize draws; however, each individual is eligible to win only one prize. If a participant’s name is drawn more than once, they will receive the first prize they are drawn for, and subsequent draws will be re-selected to ensure fairness.

You’re invited to the Friends of the Foundation and Kidney March Alumni Reunion

Join us for an evening of inspiration and connection at the Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion. Plus, be among the first to hear about what’s in store for Kidney March 2026 as we return to the wilderness for 3 days and 2 nights. Reunite with your fellow Kidney Marchers, be the first to watch the Kidney March 2025 video, enter for fantastic door prizes, cheer on the winners of this year’s Top Fundraising awards, and celebrate another heroic year.

DATE: Saturday, October 18, 2025

LOCATION: Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Sundance Ballroom, 11500 35 St SE #1000, Calgary, AB T2Z 3W4

AGENDA:

6:30 pm: Doors open for cocktails and snacks.

7:00 pm: Program starts

Followed by more snacks and time to connect after the program concludes.



RSVP to sarah.lawrence@kidney.ca

Meet your Kidney March Presenting Sponsor, Otsuka Canada Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Kidney Foundation of Canada with Otsuka Sponsorship Sign

We’re thrilled to welcome back Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc. returning as our Presenting Sponsor for Kidney March 2025. For nearly a decade, they have supported our walks in many ways, and we are grateful for their commitment to research and improving the lives of patients. Their level of support is monumental in helping Kidney March make the most significant impact possible for those in our community living with kidney disease and the future of kidney disease.

“On behalf of myself and my team, we are excited to be the Presenting Sponsor at the Kidney March again this year,” said Michael Laranjo, President & General Manager of Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc. “The Kidney Foundation of Canada is dedicated to supporting patients across the country and we are happy to support such a great initiative that will increase awareness and research around kidney disease.”

Otsuka employees share a unique and tireless passion to help enhance the health and quality of human life around the world. Their support goes beyond sponsorship; over the years multiple Otsuka employees have also marched the full 100 km alongside you. 

Be sure to extend a warm welcome back and a big thank you to Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc. for their support!

What to Expect for Day Zero 2025

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“What should I expect on Day Zero?”

Here’s a brief run-down. 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6, 2025 

All Marchers and Crew participating in-person for Kidney March MUST attend the Kidney March Orientation and package pick up day. Here you will receive all the important information you will need to know to March and Crew for Kidney March. Virtual Marchers and Crew will receive their virtual participant packages by mail in advance of Day Zero.

The Day Zero Orientation will begin at The Kidney Foundation Office, located at 6007 1A Street SW, Calgary AB and run between 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Once you’re done going through the various information stations at the office, we will move over to Prairie Dog Brewing (just up the street) for your lanyard pick up, complimentary food and pop, games and Kidney-O-Kee with your Kidney March family, starting at 5:00 pm.

Day Zero Agenda at a glance

3:30 – 5:00pm  Visit the Kidney Foundation Office for you information and package pickup stations. Once you complete all your stations, you can head over to Prairie Dog Brewing for your lanyard, some food, games and KIdney-O-Kee.

5:00 pm  The Kidney Foundation Office will close and Kidney-O-Kee will start at Prairie Dog Brewing

8:00 pm  We will say good-bye for the evening so you can rest up for Kidney March the next day.

How to get to Day Zero

The Kidney Foundation of Canada Office – 6007 1A Street Sw, Calgary AB

Parking – Free street parking is available around The Kidney Foundation Office. 

 

Transit – You may choose to join us by taking transit. The closest train station is CHINOOK STATION. From there the Kidney Foundation Office is about a 6 minute walk north on 1A street SW.

 

Prairie Dog Brewing is located at 105D 58th Avenue sw, Calgary AB

Kidney-o-kee

It’s a great chance to meet or reconnect with your fellow Kidney Marchers and Crew! Our Kidney March team will be available to answer any questions you may have on Day Zero. You can also reach out to kidneymarch@kidney.ca

You’re invited to the 2025 Kidney March Closing Ceremonies and BBQ Celebration

Help us cheer on this years Marchers as they cross the finish line and join us for a BBQ celebration with live entertainment. 

The Kidney March Closing Ceremonies will be hosted at the Millarvillle Racing & Agricultural Society located at: 306097 192 St W, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0).

We anticipate Marchers will start to cross the finish line at about 3:00pm onward. After cheering in every Marcher at the finish line, all Marchers, Crew, loved ones, and supporters will celebrate at our BBQ and Closing Ceremony, with Musical Entertainment to follow.

There will be ample free parking at Millarville, and carpooling is encouraged.
*Reminder *Guests and supporters are not permitted on the route, AND pets are not allowed on the grounds at the Millarville Racetrack for the closing ceremony and BBQ. Only trained Service Animals are permitted. This is for everyone, including your animal’s, safety.

Want to Enjoy the BBQ meal with the Marchers and Crew?

Joining the festivities is free, but for all family, friends, and supporters that want to enjoy the BBQ meal they must purchase a meal ticket. All registered Marchers and Crew will receive one complimentary BBQ meal ticket. To help us plan and reduce food waste, we encourage all guests to buy their tickets in advance of the BBQ.

• Advance tickets: $15 each (available until August 25, 2025
• Day-of tickets: $25 each (limited quantity available)
• One ticket per person is required.

Purchase BBQ Tickets Here

 

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View all calendar events.

5 days ago

🎄✨Tink has been climbing our Christmas tree,But something’s changed… what could it be?Baubles, tinsel, lights that glow—Spot the difference, let us know!Think you know what's missing or added? Email sarah.lawrence@kidney.ca or send us a private message on social with your guess. If you’re correct, we’ll add your name into the draw for a special prize. The winner will be drawn December 17th! Good Luck!! ... See MoreSee Less
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7 days ago

Lessons From My Dad - “I had led someone else to want to volunteer the same way I did, the same way I learned from my dad. And one day, the way I hoped to inspire my daughter too.”Hear the voices behind Kidney March - real stories of strength, struggle, and purpose told by those who lived them. This digital story was created by the storyteller Evan titled "Lessons From My Dad” as part of the ‘Marching Through Stories’ project in 2025. Content Warning: This video contains some medical imagery and discussions related to illness, and treatment. Viewers may encounter scenes involving medical equipment. These visuals and topics may be distressing to some individuals, particularly those sensitive to medical content. Viewer discretion is advised. “Marching Through Stories” is a study conducted by the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing with support from The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Southern Alberta Branch, exploring experiences and impacts of Kidney March through digital storytelling. The project aims to contribute to the understanding of how such events foster community, support, and advocacy. The project provides the kidney community a unique opportunity to share their personal experiences related to chronic kidney disease.Hear other stories and learn more about Why We March at kidneymarch.ca/marcher-stories/ ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

🪜🎁Back on the shelf where elves belong,But something here is slightly wrong!A missing item, moved-around itself…Can YOU spot what’s changed on the shelf?Think you know what's missing or added? Email sarah.lawrence@kidney.ca or send us a private message on social with your guess. If you’re correct, we’ll add your name into the draw for a special prize. The winner will be drawn December 17th! Good Luck!! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

IN THE NEWS: Canadian transplant history made at University of Alberta Hospital. Two teenagers have become the first pediatric patients in Canada to have a kidney transplant with a robot-assisted procedure, thanks to a University of Alberta Hospital surgeon.Dr. Max Levine, the surgical director of the University of Alberta Hospital’s kidney transplant program, and his team have performed roughly 20 kidney transplants using the robot-assisted technique, starting with adult patients and living donors in 2024. “I’ve seen how much of a strain complications have on patients and their families and the health-care system in general, so it makes me feel happy to show that, as a program, we’re doing things to make these patients’ outcomes as good as possible,” Dr. Levine said.Find the link for the Global news coverage and read more at: kidneymarch.ca/media/ ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

⌛ THROWBACK THURSDAY👣WHY WE MARCH: To be a part of that joy.As if by fate, Grace stumbled upon a social media post about a stranger in desperate need of a kidney transplant. They had no mutual connections, but his story appeared on her newsfeed. Although she had no personal ties to kidney disease, Grace’s strong desire to help prompted her to undergo testing to become his living kidney donor. In 2019, she successfully donated her kidney to Chris and from that moment on they were no longer strangers. Today, Grace and Chris celebrate their life-saving bond and friendship by participating in Kidney March. We are grateful to them for sharing their inspiring story and raising awareness about the impact of living organ donation. “The one thing for me is, you are surrounded for the entire weekend by really good, kind, genuine, loving, people. There is no negativity, it is just very pure, very happy and it is very hard in society to find those kinds of communities...” – Grace.Find your community and make a Kidney March connection. Be a part of Kidney March 2026. Visit kidneymarch.ca and register today! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

In the News: "An Alberta man is advocating for early testing of chronic kidney disease amid rising mortality rates in Canadians ..." Sean Delaney (soon-to-be first-time #KidneyMarcher) and Dr. Marcello Tonelli joined The Kidney Foundation of Canada to call for our #NationalCKDFramework. Sounding the alarm after new data revealed a “wake-up call” for Canadians.“What it (the data) tells us is that people who have kidney disease already, we’re failing them. We’re not detecting them in time,” says Tonelli.Early testing, awareness, and better access to care can’t wait.Find the links for the CTV news coverage and read more at: kidneymarch.ca/media/ ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

Did you know financial hardship often limits access to proper kidney care?We're conducting a national survey to understand how kidney disease affects Canadians financially, from patients to caregivers to health professionals. Your insights will guide our advocacy efforts to improve support systems.✅ Quick, 100% anonymous, voluntary.🗓️ Deadline: December 8📌 Start the survey here: bit.ly/SURV-Fina-Bur-2025 ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

✨ She’s back! ✨Tinkle Bell’s returned from the North Pole’s glow,To join our team where warm winds blow.But mischief follows where she goes -She swaps and hides things (goodness knows!)🔍🎄 Can you spot what’s changed from shot to shot?You’ll need sharp eyes to catch what’s not!Think you’ve found what’s missing or new?Tell us what - we're counting on you!Can you spot the difference between the photos? You'll need a keen eye . Think you know what's missing or added? Email sarah.lawrence@kidney.ca or send us a private message on social with your guess. If you’re correct, we’ll add your name into the draw for a special prize. The winner will be drawn December 17th! Good Luck!! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

🐶We sniffed out our final prize draw winner....Lisa Viglas. Congratulations - we will be reaching out to you shortly to get you dressed in head to toe Kidney March gear. We hope you all have enjoyed playing along with us this month. We can't wait to see each and everyone of you for Kidney March 2026. Thank you all for you for stepping up and making the commitment to the kidney community. www.kidneymarch.ca ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Now is the time to make the leap and join us for Kidney March 2026. Register by December 1, 2025 to qualify as a Trailblazer & be entered into our FINAL prize draw!➡️ kidneymarch.ca ... See MoreSee Less
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