In September, The Kidney Foundation of Canada – Manitoba hosts its annual Kidney Ride Glide Stride (KRGS) that takes place in Winnipeg (Sept 11), Brandon (Sept 18), and now Morden (Sept 25). It’s a fun family event where participants can run, walk, bike, or blade while also raising awareness for kidney disease. This year’s goal is to beat last year’s total with participants collecting more than $50,000 in pledges.
About The Kidney Foundation of Canada
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to high quality healthcare; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation.
Facts about kidney disease in Manitoba
•Manitoba has one of the highest rates of kidney disease in Canada.
•1 in 9 Manitobans have chronic kidney disease (CKD).
•Almost 300 Manitobans are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
•Manitoba has more than 1400 people on dialysis and this increases each year.
•The demand for dialysis units is increasing but Manitoba cannot build units fast enough to cover that demand.
•The Kidney Foundation of Canada aims to do more prevention work to heighten awareness about the importance of early screening and adopting healthy lifestyles.
How The Kidney Foundation of Canada benefits the community?
Since 1964, The Kidney Foundation of Canada has provided over $100 million to kidney research. We provide Canadians with kidney disease programs and services to help ease the burden of the disease. Some of our services includes, educational resources and programs, financial assistance, screening clinics and peer support. We also host multiple events throughout the year to raise funds for these services.
What programs and services does the Kidney Foundation offer for Manitobans?
The Foundation funds researchers in Manitoba and across the country to find ways to improve treatments kidney disease and other kidney health issues. We also have programs and resources such as:
•Aboriginal curriculum: Our Children*Their Health*Our Future focuses on preventing kidney disease amongst First Nations children and communities.
•Drop the Pop Challenge: We provide school lessons on sugar-sweetened beverages for elementary schools in Manitoba to help them carry out a fun “Drop the Pop” Challenge for students.
•Educational materials: We provide brochures, fact sheets, videotapes/DVDs, and cookbooks for those undergoing dialysis. If you want information about kidney disease, contact us.
•Financial assistance program: Short-term, last resort funding (up to $200 per year per patient) organized through social workers at dialysis units in Manitoba.
•Kidney Camp: Young patients enjoy a week at YMCA Camp Stephens every summer, supervised by nephrologists and nurses.
•Living Organ Donor Reimbursement Program
•Living with Kidney Disease manuals: Free information for people newly diagnosed with kidney disease.
•Newsletter: The Kidney Care Connection is distributed province-wide several times per year.
•Patient education: Every year we host the Patient Education Symposium with presentations on topics important to kidney patients and their supporters, along with a kidney-friendly lunch.
•Peer support: We have volunteers with a connection to kidney disease available to talk to others who need support.
•Screening clinics: We screen high-risk populations for kidney disease.
