Steak lovers helped raise $2,600 for the Kidney Foundation of Canada during the charity steak dinner at the Windsor Tavern on Friday, September 12. The fundraiser event was organized by Don Dubois of Vankleek Hill, who has a family member awaiting a kidney transplant after three years of dialysis.
In addition to the char-broiled night, attendees could speak with Kidney Foundation volunteers and learn more about the risk factors and ways to prevent kidney disease.
Attendees also enjoyed live music performed by local band 50 Proof.
Volunteers Stéphane and Sara Goyer said people often do not show symptoms until they have lost most of their kidney function, a reality affecting about one in ten Canadians. They said this highlights the importance of speaking to medical professionals and getting regular check-ups.
More than 60,000 Canadians are currently living with some form of kidney disease.
Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, heart problems, and strokes. People from different ethnicities are also more prone to kidney disease than others, including those from Indigenous, African/Caribbean, Asian, Hispanic, or Pacific Island descent.
The Goyers also brought informative handouts outlining the many services offered by the Kidney Foundation. Some of these important services include providing educational material, short-term financial assistance for medical-related expenses, and a peer support program.
More information can be found by visiting the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s website at https://kidney.ca.
