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Mar 27, 2020

As Demand Rises, Kidney Patients Need Our Help more than ever

Programs continue; we need your help

The safety and support of kidney patients and those at risk is a top priority for The Kidney Foundation as Canadians confront the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures have been put in place to ensure key programs continue to be there for patients, including peer support, information and referral, and short-term financial assistance application processing.

“Kidney patients can rest assured that our Foundation team is here to help,” said Greg Robbins, National President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “In collaboration with our many dedicated volunteers, and medical and allied health partners, our staff team is working hard to assist people access the information and services they need.”

The Foundation’s patient programs are listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, contact your local Branch of The Kidney Foundation for more information. Our team members are available by phone or email, as our offices are closed to visitors. Information is available through Contact Us.

Peer support is available through our toll-free number at 1-866-390-PEER (7337) and by registration for our online portal at kidneyconnect.ca. In some communities, teleconference calls have replaced group meetings.

Information and referral, which provides general kidney health and organ donation related information, is still in place by phone or email. Contact your local office.

Short-term financial assistance program remains in place and applications are being processed; as per usual, applications must be submitted by a renal social worker. 

“Support from the community and the commitment of our donors is needed now more than ever as we strive to meet an increased volume of requests,” said Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director “Our programs are not supported by government funding, so we must rely on the public’s goodwill to continue to support our programs during this difficult time.”

Ways you can help:

  • Make a donation online at kidney.ca/donate to ensure that your support is not deterred by any mail interruptions should they occur. Your tax receipt is issued instantaneously when you donate online.
  • Sign up for a walk and start fundraising today at kidneywalk.ca. The organizers of each location will be providing detailed information and updates about walk events as they become available.
  • Purchase your tickets early for our upcoming summer and fall events and activities. Find out more at kidney.ca/events

Patients and caregivers are also encouraged to stay informed and connected through our website and social media channels, where are posting regular updates about any COVID-19 information that may be of service to kidney patients, those at risk, the general transplant community, and caregivers.  

Visit our COVID-19 information page, where we are sharing news from renal and transplant agencies, and sign up for our social networks to connect with others in the kidney community.  To find your local social networks, search for Kidney Foundation and the name of your province or community or join our national channels at kidney.ca/Contact-Us. We also encourage people to sign up for our enewsletter.

“We are continuously monitoring changes with regard to community support services and government programs that may impact patients,” said Ms. Myles. “We are committed to be the strong voice of advocacy where needed at this time. The kidney community is resilient, and I know that we will offer one another the kindness, compassion and support needed to get through this difficult time together.”
 


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