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. 

“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

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

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

We are proud to welcome back Mattamy Homes as our Finish Line and Closing Ceremony sponsor for Kidney March 2025.

Since joining the Kidney March family in 2017, Mattamy Homes has been a dedicated Lead Sponsor. Over the years, their Alberta Division has contributed thousands of dollars, playing an instrumental role in propelling the March forward.

Mattamy Homes takes an active role in Kidney March, you’ll see their smiling faces at the finish line helping to hand out your finishing shirts and cheering you on as you celebrate this years accomplishments after the March.  Many of their employees have been impacted by kidney disease and some have personally completed the 100KM challenge.

Not only is community one of Mattamy Homes’ core values but the organization truly believes that having a positive impact in the community is their responsibility both as a business and as a homebuilder. Through their grass-roots, employee-driven initiatives, corporate MattamyCares program, grand-scale company donations and the generous philanthropy of our Founder’s charitable organization, the Peter Gilgan Foundation, they come together like family to actively support local and global charitable organizations to create vibrant, healthy communities. Mattamy Homes’ commitment to Kidney March has had a significant impact, creating more funding to support vital research and patient needs. 

“Kidney March embodies the spirit of community, and at Mattamy Homes, that’s a value we live every day. We’re honoured to continue supporting this incredible event and proud to stand alongside those making a difference in the lives of people affected by kidney disease.” – Amanda Kemp, Senior Manager, Marketing for Mattamy’s Alberta Division.

Thank you Mattamy Homes for being a part of Kidney March over the years

FUN FACT

Mattamy has also sponsored many of the pathways we use to train on in our communities. In Calgary, you will find the Rotary Mattamy Greenway, a 145-KM pathway system that circles the entire city. Together, with Calgary’s existing pathways they form one of the largest pathway networks in the world with over 1000kms of trails.

Check it out and plan a route at:
 https://www.parksfdn.com/greenway 

 “Marching Through Stories” continues with a virtual screening of films from across Canada

In partnership with the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing, The Kidney Foundation of Canada Southern Alberta Branch is pleased to host, the “Marching Through Stories” virtual film screening.

You’re Invited! Get ready for another unforgettable evening filled with heart, hope, and powerful digital storytelling! We’re rolling out the virtual red carpet for the premiere of more short films created by inspiring members of our Kidney March family – this time from across Canada. 

These stories will move you, connect you, and celebrate the incredible spirit of our community members. So grab your popcorn, cozy up at home, and join us over Zoom for this can’t-miss event.

Digital Storytelling Facilitator and health researcher, Dr. Mike Lang will take us through their process and facilitate conversations with each new storyteller after the films. Hear the voices behind the march — real stories of strength, struggle, and purpose told by those who lived them. 

‘Marching Through Stories’ is a research project conducted by the University of Calgary 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.

Register to attend over Zoom using the link below. 

Click Here to Register 

Having trouble? Contact us to register for you at:(403) 255-6719 | 1-800-268-1177
or email at: sarah.lawrence@kidney.ca

WHERE: over Zoom

WHEN: Thursday, August 21, 2025 – at 6:00 pm (MT) 

Earlier this July, we had the honour of watching five local stories in Calgary at the Premier event with the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing, hosted by The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Southern Alberta Branch.

Thank you Heather, Jan, Dennis, Sherri, and Kris for sharing your digital stories! 

For those who missed it, their stories will be available to watch on our YouTube Channel following the virtual screenings.  We will Share the link soon on our social media networks @KidneyMarch (Facebook, Instagram, X). Are you following us?