David Ayres Steps In For Another Emergency Situation

Backup goaltender launches the Kidney Foundation Emergency Fund

As soon as he was made aware of the urgent circumstances that many kidney patients are currently facing, David Ayres was ready to lend a hand in any way he could. Ayres, who rose to fame in February as the first emergency backup goaltender to record a win in the history of the NHL, has first-hand knowledge of the daily plight of those affected by kidney disease.

“As a kidney patient and transplant recipient, I know that coping with dialysis treatments and its effects are challenging in the best of times,” states Ayres. “Now that our world is turned upside down due to the pandemic, I can only imagine what patients and their families have to deal with.”

During a game held in Toronto between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ayres was called in as emergency goalie after both Hurricanes’ goaltenders were injured. Even though his performance led to a defeat for the Maple Leafs, hometown fans were won over by the Ontario resident’s Cinderella story, cheering him on all the way.

The current COVID-19 health crisis has had the greatest impact on the most vulnerable segments of the population, including people with kidney failure. For many, getting to their regular dialysis treatments has become extremely difficult, while their regular transportation services are reduced or suspended. With a compromised immune system, protocols related to social distancing and other best practices become more acute.

More than ever, patients are turning to the services and support programs provided by The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “We have seen a marked increase in requests for short-term financial assistance and peer support,” said Greg Robbins, National President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “These are core elements of The Foundation’s mission; however, the increased demand comes at a time when donations are down.”

The Kidney Foundation Emergency Fund Campaign, spearheaded by Ayres, was launched to help remedy the situation. Ayres is calling on Canadians from all walks of life to help however they can.

Additionally, thanks to the generosity of June and Russ Jones, the first $50,000 in donations made to the fund at kidney.ca/emergencyfund will be matched.

“With so many of our usual activities suspended or delayed, we need our supporters to contribute to our virtual campaigns,” said Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to David and to the Jones family for stepping up and leading the charge with our Emergency Fund.”

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