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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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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

 

Meet your Finish Line and Closing Ceremonies Sponsor, Mattamy Homes

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 

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Category: General
The Friends of the Foundation and Kidney March Alumni Reunion


October 18, 2025

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.


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

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October 19, 2025
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October 31, 2025
November 1, 2025

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6 days ago

Thank you to everyone who joined us this evening for Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion. It was great to celebrate your achievements and relive the memories with you. We are excited to share with you the 2025 Kidney March video. Thank you to all past and present Kidney Marchers and Crew, volunteers, donors, sponsors, friends and families, and supporting members of the kidney and transplant community for your support and generosity! We can't wait to do it all again with you next year! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

Tomorrow is the night! We look forward to seeing everyone at the Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion. We'll celebrate your achievements and the impact you have made in the kidney community, relive the memories, and watch the premiere of this year's Kidney March video!Here's the details:Deerfoot Inn & Casino 1000, 11500 – 35 Street SE Calgary, AB T2Z 3W4Cocktails (cash bar) and light appetizers at 6:30 pm, Program at 7:00 pm, with more appetizers to follow. The evening wraps up at 9:30 pm.For those unable to attend, we'll share highlights of the evening after the event and this year's Kidney March Video!! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

Let’s gather together one more time to reflect, reconnect, and get inspired for what’s ahead for Kidney March 2026. Join us on Saturday, October 18 at 6:30pm at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino. For full details visit: kidneymarch.ca/youre-invited-to-the-friends-of-the-foundation-and-kidney-march-alumni-reunion/ ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Who will be honored with the Kidney March 2025 Top Fundraiser Awards?This year’s fundraisers have demonstrated incredible dedication and passion with their support of Kidney March. While the winners remain a secret for now, we can’t wait to celebrate their achievements at the Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion. Thank you to everyone who has helped raise life-changing funds that help make a positive impact for the kidney community! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

On behalf of The Kidney Foundation of Canada - Southern Alberta Branch, we wish you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving long weekend.We’re thankful for you, our wonderful kidney and transplant community - our Marchers, Crew, volunteers, supporters, donors, family members, patients, friends, medical staff, researchers, sponsors and everyone in our Kidney March family.Please note: our office will be closed today, Monday, October 13, 2025 for the thanksgiving holiday. ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Thank you to Wicom Solutions for joining us again this year for Kidney March. Wicom keeps our support vehicles connected during Kidney March. We're incredibly grateful to have them on board for our crew. Thank you for your generous support. @wicomcalgary ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Countdown to Kidney March Alumni Reunion 🥳Get ready to Shop the Kidney March Pop-Up Store!We will have a small selection of Kidney March clothing items and accessories available for purchase. We encourage you to browse online at kidneymarch.ca/store/, place your order and pick-up your items at the reunion. Kidney March items are great for holiday gifting or treating yourself – show off your Kidney March pride loud and proud!For more details visit: kidneymarch.ca/youre-invited-to-the-friends-of-the-foundation-and-kidney-march-alumni-reunion/ ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

Thank you to our lead sponsor of Kidney March 2025, Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society Racing & Agricultural Society . We were so grateful to be able to host our entire event at your location this year. Thank you for accommodating our Kidney March family and for all your support every year and along the way. ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

We are so thankful to our lead sponsor of Kidney March 2025, Mattamy Homes Canada. Your commitment to Kidney March is greatly appreciated, as is the dedication of your team of volunteers for joining us at the Finish Line to help us cheer on our Marchers and distribute our finishing packages. Thank you for taking on such an active role in the kidney community.Your generous contribution is greatly appreciated and thank you for supporting kidney disease research, organ donation initiatives, and programming for millions of Canadians living with or at risk of developing kidney disease. ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

With Me – “...together, we formed something greater than ourselves, a family”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 Tina titled "With Me” 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 video also contains medical scenes that may include depictions of injury, emergency procedures, and hospital environments. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those who may be affected by themes of loss, trauma, 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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