A 2.5-kilometre walk around the 100 Mile Marsh to benefit the Kidney Foundation of Canada and folks living with kidney disease and related disorders is slated for Aug. 17.
Registration for the Fourth Annual Kidney Walk in 100 Mile House starts at 9 a.m. and the Walk in Support gets underway at 10 a.m.
This year's event is at a new location – at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre (look for the big skis) at the intersection of Airport Road and Highway 97.
Parking important
Organizers want to keep the front of the Visitor Centre open for tourist use, so there are alternate parking areas during the fundraising event.
Participants are asked to park in the arena parking lot and walk to the Visitor Centre, or park on Taylor Avenue near Kal Tire, where there is a lot of parking because the business is closed on Sundays.
There is also parking across Highway 97 on Alder Avenue, but folks are urged to use the cross walk for safety reasons.
Registration
Folks can register before the day of the event at www.100milehousekidneywalk.ca.
However, registration/donation brochures can be picked up in 100 Mile House at Save-On-Foods, Donex Pharmacy & Department Store, Pharmasave and Andre's Electronics.
Registration and donations will also be taken at the event site from 9 to 10 a.m. on Aug. 17.
Family fun
There will be a lot more than just a walk to keep folks busy at the annual charity event.
There will also be door prizes, entertainment, food and refreshments.
There will be a Bouncy Castle at this year's Kidney Walk, so bring your family and let the little ones have a bouncing good time.
Following the Walk in Support around the marsh, folks will meet back at the main event area at the Visitor Centre, and then the entertainment begins at 11:15 a.m. with a Tai Chi Demonstration.
From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., this year’s Cariboo Idols take centre stage, and folks are going to want to see and listen to this talented group.
The Idols will be followed by local singer Gary Seminoff.
From 1:30 to 2 p.m., an exciting local classic rock group, The Way Out, close out the entertainment program.
Refreshments will be provided on site by Save-On-Foods – look for store’s hydration station tent.
A&W will be providing food on site, and all food proceeds will go directly to the Kidney Walk.
Tables and chairs will be provided at site, but folks are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the entertainment at the picnic site in behind the Visitors Centre.
Event co-ordinator Dale Phelps (250-397-0023) is looking for volunteers, vendors and participants, so contact her if you need more information.
"The event is really coming together thanks to the help of the sponsors, local businesses and the dedicated volunteers," she says.
For general information, contact 1-800-567-8112 (ext. 228) or visit 100milehousewalk@ kidney.bc.ca.
FAST bytes
• The Kidney Foundation of Canada is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
• Through related fundraising campaigns, the national volunteer organization has raised millions of dollars for health services and kidney research.
• One in 10 Canadians has kidney disease, and there is no cure.
• Kidney Walks, such as this one in 100 Mile House, are community-led events dedicated to raising awareness and funds for kidney disease, and the importance of organ donation.
