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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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7 days 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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1 week 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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1 week ago

Shake, Rattle and Roll - we have another winner...Congratulations to Tina Kovacs - you have won the $100 Winners Giftcard.We have one prize remaining and it's a BIG one - the head to toe Kidney March Swag package values at $160. Get your registrations in over the weekend - the final draw takes place on December 1, 2025! www.KidneyMarch.ca ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Congratulations!!! We have another winner...Elizabeth Rubin - enjoy your escape room adventure! Thank you to Arcadia Adventures Escape Room Only 2 draws are left! Be sure to register and get your ballots in for the final prizes! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Congratulations to the winner of the Prairie Dog Brewing 24 pack - James Weibe.There is still time to get your name in before the next draw. Register today for Kidney March.For full details visit: kidneymarch.ca/5prizedraws/We could be calling your name next! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

WHY WE MARCH - “...I was surrounded by tears, smiles, and love.”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 Sherri titled "Chosen Family” as part of the ‘Marching Through Stories’ project in 2025. Content Warning: This video contains sensitive material that may be distressing to some viewers. Topics include the death of a child, grief and bereavement, and potentially emotionally intense scenes. This also video contains medical scenes that may include depictions of injury, procedures, and hospital environments. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those who may be affected by themes of loss, or child-related tragedy. “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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2 weeks ago

⌛We are one week away from the Trailblazer registration deadline.Each member of the Kidney March family has their own connection to the cause. We are made up of patients, donors, health care professionals, advocates, family, friends and those whose lives have been touched by kidney disease. For 3 days and 100km, we all come together for one purpose - to help us raise awareness and funding for kidney disease research, programs and organ donation initiatives.Trailblazers are a core group of Marchers and Crew that are the first to say "YES" to Kidney March. They commit to taking on the 100km challenge and raising a minimum of $2,200 for vital programming and research for the kidney community. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Help pave the way for the year to come! Register today at www.KidneyMarch.ca ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

WHY WE MARCH - “It lifted me up when I didn’t know I needed it… and taught me connection is priceless…”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 Cindi titled "Standing Proud” as part of the ‘Marching Through Stories’ project in 2025. Content Warning: This video contains medical imagery and discussions related to illness, treatment, and healthcare procedures. Viewers may encounter scenes involving hospitals, medical equipment, and blood. 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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3 weeks ago

Congratulations to our first winners: Dennis, Rizwana, Bruce and Carrie. You have each won a one hour massage from Momentum Health National Spine and Wellness.We will be reaching out to you shortly.Thank you to Dr. Josip Batinić and Dr. Lisa Scott for your support and for volunteering your time to help our Kidney Marchers prepare for a physically safe Kidney March! They are offering all Kidney March participants a complimentary biomechanical assessment. They are very excited to again help you with your training and the diagnosis and prevention of any potential injuries. For more details visit our Deals and Discount section kidneymarch.ca/manuals/There is still time to get your name in before the next draw. Register today for Kidney March.For full details visit: kidneymarch.ca/5prizedraws/We could be calling your name next! ... See MoreSee Less
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