It’s Time To Donate!!

I may have won Banff National Park’s Big Mountain Challenge, but we’re not done yet! It’s now time to raise $5000! Every donation (up to $5000) will be matched by Banff Lake Louise Tourism. Upon completion of the hikes, an additional $15000 will be donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. So potentially, that’s $25000! WOAH! Please donate as much or as little as you can :).

Here’s the blurb from the donation page:

The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge contest launched on Facebook on June 11, 2012, asking entrants to submit a photograph of themselves with accompanying commentary about how they would prepare for the epic challenge of ascending 3 mountain peaks over the course of seven days. The winner would also have a chance to raise up to $25000 for charity. By close of the contest, 719 entries had been submitted from around North America. 

How did I prepare for the challenge? By singing show tunes to keep the bears away, of course! 

The first part of the Big Mountain Challenge is now complete… and I’m humbled to say that I’ve been chosen as the winner! Thank you everyone for your votes, your encouragement, and your support- this was possible because of you. I’m still in absolute shock that my photo entry was chosen! I can’t wait to take on this challenge and report back on the amazing experience it will be. But that’s still a few weeks away. 

So what’s our goal?? The ultimate goal is $25000 for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. To make sure this happens, we need to raise at least $5000 in pledges. This is an ambitious goal to achieve within two weeks, but I have no doubt that with your support and generosity, we can do it! Any amount, as large or as little, will benefit this great organization. (Note: All donors will receive an electronic tax receipt via e-mail).

I’ve been asked the question: Why did you choose The Kidney Foundation of Canada? Truthfully, up until a few years ago, and probably like many Canadians, I didn’t know much about kidney disease or the effects of kidney failure. When I moved from Ontario to work with a kidney disease research group at the University of Calgary, I learned very quickly that chronic kidney disease is very serious, lifelong, and there is no cure. It not only impacts the life of the patient, but the patient’s family and friends as well. And there are 2.6 million Canadians who have or are at risk of kidney disease. There is so much we still need to understand about the disease, and so sometimes it’s difficult to give it the platform and attention it deserves. 

From a personal standpoint, I have family members affected by diabetes and high blood pressure, and I learned that those are the two leading risk factors for kidney disease. That’s a very scary thing to think about. Over 50% of people diagnosed with kidney disease have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both. 

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a leading national health charity for reducing the burden of kidney disease. They focus on research, education and support, promoting access to quality health care, and increasing public awareness for organ donation. I felt it was important to hike for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. It’s my way of showing support so they can continue helping all Canadians affected by kidney disease.

For more information on The Kidney Foundation of Canada, please visit www.kidney.ca.