Donate Running Shoes for the Children of Garden Hill First Nation

November 29, 2012 (Winnipeg, MB) – The Kidney Foundation of Canada – Manitoba Branch is asking the public to donate running shoes for children living in Garden Hill First Nation. The drive takes place now until Friday, December 28, 2012.

“We develop and support healthy, culturally appropriate curriculum in partnership with the Kistiganwacheeng Elementary School in Garden Hill First Nation. Many of the children there must do gym class in their socks,” says Val Dunphy, Executive Director of the Foundation’s Manitoba Branch. “We want to help these children get the proper footwear so they can fully partake in healthy habits that may help to prevent Chronic Kidney Disease.”

The Foundation is working in partnership with the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association of Canada (NADA) to gather new or gently-used shoes for children ages 8 to 12 (grades 3 to 6). The shoes will be delivered to the children of Garden Hill in January 2013, in time for their new school term.

Please drop your new or gently-used running shoes to either of the following locations in Winnipeg between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm:

• ·         The Foundation’s office at 1-452 Dovercourt Drive (near Waverly and Scurfield)
• ·         The NADA downtown office at B1-90 Garry Street (just south of Broadway)

Note: These offices are closed on December 25 and 26.

Aboriginal peoples are more likely to be diagnosed with Type II diabetes. This makes them more susceptible to Chronic Kidney Disease. By promoting healthy habits such as physical activity, the Foundation hopes to empower Aboriginal children to grow up strong and free of chronic health issues as much as possible.

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For more information contact:
Erica Vogt, Communications Coordinator
The Kidney Foundation of Canada – Manitoba Branch
(204) 989-0804 | [email protected]