Kidney Foundation of Canada

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to eliminating the burden of kidney disease through:

• Funding and stimulating innovative research for better treatments and a cure
• Providing education and support to prevent kidney disease in those at risk
• Empowering those with kidney disease to optimize their health status through programs which promote physical and mental well being
• Advocating for improved access to high quality health care
• Increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation

TOP FUNDING SOURCES

• Individual donations: 80%
• Corporate donations: 12%
• Other charities: 3%
• Government funding: >1%
• Endowments: >1%
• Other: 4%

Funding priorities

Expansion of our Peer Support program is one of The Kidney Foundation’s priorities. As a result, participation rates have more than doubled since the start of the pandemic. Peer support helps patients and caregivers cope with the emotional and psychological burden of living with chronic kidney disease by providing the opportunity to connect with others who share a similar lived experience. Our trained peer support volunteers are themselves patients and caregivers and understand what it’s like to live with kidney disease.

The program also regularly invites health professionals and others to share their expertise to assist patients in optimizing their quality of life. In response to feedback from stakeholders, we have launched new groups to respond to the niche communities impacted by this chronic disease including parents of children who live with kidney disease, organ transplant recipients, caregivers, youth and young adults and people with reduced kidney function. Transitioning to a virtual model has made it possible for more patients and caregivers from suburban and rural communities to benefit from the program.

How you can help

DONATE

Donors can make investments in innovative medical research, which will enhance care, improve early detection and treatment options as we work towards a cure. Canadians who live with kidney disease often face significant financial and emotional burdens in their daily lives. Donors sustain vital programs which help patients live their best life – providing information, education, financial support and building a community of care.

VOLUNTEER

There are many volunteer opportunities with The Kidney Foundation which allow people to make a meaningful contribution. The Eastern Ontario Chapter is currently recruiting for new advisory board members and there are a variety of programs, community engagement and administrative roles available for those who are interested in improving the lives of patients and their families. If you would like to share your time with us, we encourage you to get in touch at ontario@kidney.ca.

EVENTS + FUNDRAISING

Kidney Walk

Our annual Kidney Walk is the most important fundraiser of the year and takes place in communities across Ontario each fall. In Eastern Ontario, we hold multiple walks in Ottawa and the surrounding valley to support medical research and patient programs. We are seeking corporate sponsors, employee teams, individual walkers and volunteers to get behind the ones they love and walk with us. You can learn more at www.kidneywalk.ca.

La Serata Italiana

The annual La Serata Italiana is an Italian-themed gala dinner in support of kidney research which takes place each spring. Organized entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers, they have raised more than $1 million for medical research over the past 37 years. For more information, please contact Suzanne.laniel@kidney.ca.