The weather did the opposite of cooperate on Sunday Aug. 29, when the B.C. Kidney Foundation held it’s very first Kidney Walk in Cranbrook. That’s okay though because thanks to the efforts of volunteers, local businesses and 25 participants, the event has come very close to reaching its fundraising goal of $5,000.

The Walk was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at Confederation Park, with registration for the event at 9 a.m. Unfortunately for those enthusiastic participants, the temperature at the time was about 7 C and it was raining. Orgnaizer Jenn Smith said the weather didn’t dampen the mood of everyone who came out.

“We had a small turnout but a really great turnout by very, very supportive people, just fantastic,” she said. “We’re only $530 short of our goal, which is pretty fantastic considering the weather and all. We’re pretty happy with that and we got such a positive response you just know next year is going to be even better.”

There is still time to donate to the Cranbrook Kidney Walk through the Kidney Foundation’s website. Smith said she hopes by the end of September the goal of $5,000 will be met. Those who are not comfortable donating online can contact Jenn Smith at 250-464-9994.

Smith said there will definitely be a second Kidney Walk in Cranbrook next year, likely at Confederation Park again.

“Thank you to everyone who came out and all the different businesses in the community that helped put it on by donating items and services to us,” she said. “We look forward to having it again next year. Thanks to all the volunteers and especially all the walkers and anybody who pledge to anyone who was doing the walk.”

The money raised by the Kidney Walk will stay in B.C. to be distributed as needed, Smith said.

“We have a critical care centre here and we’ve got quite a few people that are going through dialysis and waiting for transplants,” she said. “That’s what the foundation is there for, to help people with costs, like when they have to go to Vancouver for transplants.“