In an effort to support one of their classmates, six kindergarteners from Calgary have taken on the Kidney March – the largest one-hundred-kilometer walk of its kind that fights against kidney disease and encourages organ donation. The march asks participants to raise a minimum of $2,200 to help improve the lives of those affected by kidney disease.
This year, in light of COVID-19, the pandemic was offered in a virtual format, allowing participants to break the distance into smaller pieces. This gave the determined kindergarteners the perfect opportunity to participate to support their classmate, 6-year-old Alysha.
"Alysha and her family inspire us. Their strength, what they are going through and what they have shared with us. The testing, the surgeries, dialysis. We want to support Alysha and inspire others to do things that make a difference," explains one of the classmates of Alysha's mother, Jacynthe Jagger.
Virtual Kindergarten Cancer Marches
This Year's Kidney March Was Attended by a Group of Kids
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Fundraising Events - The success of virtual Kidney March event this year could inspire other fundraising events to go virtual and reach a wider audience.
2. Youth Activism - The participation of six kindergarteners in a charity walk presents an opportunity for organizations to engage and empower young people in social causes.
3. Peer-to-peer Fundraising - The Kidney March's requirement for each participant to raise a minimum of $2,200 presents a model for organizations to encourage peer-to-peer fundraising among participants of a virtual event.
Industry Implications
1. Nonprofit - The virtual fundraising model employed by the Kidney March provides inspiration for nonprofits to adapt to the current pandemic and encourage donations through virtual events.
2. Education - The participation of six kindergarteners in a fundraising event provides an opportunity for schools to teach the importance of activism and philanthropy to young students.
3. Healthcare - Participation in the Kidney March presents an opportunity for healthcare organizations to show support for organ donation and kidney disease research while raising funds for their cause.