Prepare for the March

Frequently Asked Questions

Info for Friends & Family:

1. Where do friends and family park during Opening and Closing Ceremonies?

Free day parking will only be available at Opening and Closing Ceremonies for friends and family members. Parking is subject to availability.

Opening Ceremonies will take place at the Millarville Race Track beginning at 7:15 a.m. Marchers expect to hit the trail at 8:00 a.m.

Closing Ceremonies will take place at Canada Olympic Park on Sunday, September 12, 2010

Ceremonies will begin at approximately 3:00 p.m. in the Festival Tent. Please arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. to park and be ready to welcome our Kidney March heroes home at the official finish line.

Location: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW Calgary, AB

2. Where should friends and family stand at the finish to meet me?

Your family and friends can meet you as you arrive for the closing ceremonies at Canada Olympic Park. See the address and a map link above.

3. Where can friends and family come to cheer on our Marchers during the March?

There will be set Cheering Stations along the route on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friends and family members are encouraged to come out and cheer you on.

Saturday September 11, Day 2
Sunday September 12, Day 3

4. Can friends or family visit at Camp?

We cannot accommodate visitors at Kidney March Camp for safety and security reasons. There is no onsite visitor parking.

5. How do I reach a Marcher during the 3-day March?

Marchers are encouraged to bring their cell phones with them on the March, however, the range of cell phone service cannot be assured.

Kidney March City Emergency Contact Information

If your family or friends need to contact you for emergency purposes ONLY the Kidney March City contact information can be found below:

Address: Camp Gardener – Collicut Lodge
 241108 Range Road 42

Telephone: 403-242-9267
* Calls will be answered between 7 am to 9 pm September 10th & 11th; 7 am – 12 pm September 12th.

 

6. Can I still make a donation in support of a Marcher or the Kidney March?

Absolutely. We encourage you to make your gift online as soon as possible at www.kidneymarch.ca. If you prefer to mail your gift please send it to us at: The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Kidney March 6007 1A St. SW Calgary AB T2H 0G5. Please send your gift by cheque or credit card; do not mail cash. Additional gifts can be made and receipted through December 31, 2010.

Be sure to include the Marcher or crew member’s name if you are pledging the gift in support of someone.

Info for Marchers and Crew

About Tent Assignments and Gear:

7. Can a Walker and Crew Member share the same tent?

A Walker and Crew Member can share a tent. However, the tent will be in the Crew section, and the Walker should be aware they may be woken up earlier as many of our Crew are up and working before the Walkers wake up. If a Walker and Crew are planning to share a tent, you will need to email your tent assignment request to info@kidneymarch.ca no later than Sept. 1.

Please write: tent assignment request in the subject line and copy your tent mate on the email so we can see your request and they can too.

8. What size blow-up mattress will fit in the tent? How big is a tent?

The tents are 2-person, and will accommodate one double mattress size. However, remember if you are sharing with someone you do not know, be considerate of their needs. As well, remember that there are no electrical outlets at the tent area, so you will need either a manual pump or good lungs to blow up your mattress! Important: your gear weight limit is 35 lbs, so if your mattress is adding too much weight to your gear bag please leave it at home and bring a lighter foam mattress instead.

9. How do I ensure my tent mate and I have the same tent assignment/ Does my tent mate have to be with me at Check-In on Thursday to reserve the same tent?

If you have not requested your tent partner in advance (Sept 1 by email), you will be assigned a tent mate of the same gender. Your tent assignment information will be given to you at Check-In on Thursday Sept. 9.

10. What if I don’t have a tent partner?

If you don’t have someone to share a tent with, you will be assigned a tent partner of the same sex on Thursday, September 9.

11. Can I get to the luggage I put on the Gear Truck during the day?

The Gear Trucks will be packed up in the morning and go directly to Camp and remain there throughout the day. On Sept. 12 your luggage will be transported directly to Closing Ceremonies, so you will not be able to access any of the gear you load onto the truck. It is important to carry with you the necessities that you will need throughout the day, such as an extra pair of socks, water bottle, sunscreen and your cell phone.

About Check–In, Thursday, Sept. 9

12. Is Check-in mandatory?

Yes, it is imperative that you check-in to ensure that you have everything you need for the March, including any last minute information. Every Marcher and Crew must attend a mandatory Safety Orientation session. Nothing is more important to us than your safety. Absolutely nothing.

Waivers & Forms

Please bring these completed forms to Check-In with you on Thursday, Sept. 9. It will speed up the process for you.

13. What if I cannot attend the check-in on Thursday?

Please contact our Kidney March team immediately to discuss possible alternative arrangements.

14. How long will Check-In take?

Approximately one hour.

15. What else will happen at Check-In?

We will confirm your donation totals to date; you can turn in any final donation or sign up for our Self-pledge fundraising guarantee if you have not yet reached your fundraising total.

You will also receive your tent assignment and check-in package.

16 Where is Check-In?

Check-In takes place at our Kidney march designated hotel, the Delta Calgary South, 135 Southland Drive SE, Calgary.

About Ceremonies:

17. When do Closing Ceremonies end?

Closing Ceremonies will begin on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 3:00 p.m. and will run for approximately 45 minutes. We encourage your friends and family to come celebrate your accomplishment and cheer Marchers on as they return from their journey.

18. Do I have to stay for Closing Ceremonies?

Closing Ceremonies are a victory celebration and a moving and emotional tribute to the triumph of all those who were involved in Kidney March. We encourage you to stay, and to take a moment to reflect on the amazing feat that you’ve just successfully completed. However, if you are unable to stay for Closing Ceremonies, you may pick up your luggage as soon as it is offloaded from the gear truck (approximately 2 p.m.) and go home.

General FAQs:

19. What if it rains, do we still March?

We will walk rain or shine. In fact, the event will continue in all situations provided that it is safe to do so.

20. What time do I need to arrive on Friday?

All participants should be at Opening Ceremonies at the Millarville Race Track no later than 7:15 am, to allow time to have a light continental breakfast, drop off your luggage and be ready for Opening Ceremonies. Free parking is available for drop off and attendance at the ceremonies, however, under no circumstance may vehicles be left at the Millarville Race Track following the ceremonies.

If you need a ride to the Opening Ceremonies and Day 1 Start, please be at the Delta Calgary South Hotel, ready to board the bus no later than 6:30 a.m. You may leave your car in a designated parking area at the hotel over the three days of the March. You will be transported back tot eh hotel following the closing ceremonies on Sunday.

21. What time do we leave Camp and start walking?

Camp will open for Breakfast and showers at 5:30am. For those of you eager to get moving, the route will open at approximately 7:00 am.

22.Do I wear my Kidney March t-shirt for the Opening Ceremonies?

We encourage you to wear your Kidney March shirt for the opening ceremonies.  Please wear what you feel most conmfortable in.

23. Should I carry my extra shoes with me on the walk?

We would suggest packing your extra shoes with all of your other gear which will be transported directly to Camp. This way, you will have a dry, fresh pair of shoes for the next day of the walk.

24. What should I carry with me while walking?

Your handbook is a great resource for what to pack and carry with you, and of course, your personal preferences are important. Remember, you should carry the same weight and size bag as you have used in your training. Some important items to keep with you are:

25. How long will our Personal Page stay up after the event?

Your Personal Page will remain active right through to the end of the year so that you can send out a thank you to all of those who have supported you in so many ways throughout your journey. Let them know that their support was the foundation for your great achievement.