What began as an effort to connect students with meaningful community service has grown into a powerful movement at L.A. Matheson Secondary School. This year, students from Grades 10 to 12 raised $1,157 during their second annual participation in the Canadian Kidney Walk, turning awareness into action while fostering empathy, leadership, and civic responsibility.
Led by Languages Department Head and sponsor teacher Gurpreet Kaur Bains, the initiative has become much more than a fundraising campaign. It is an opportunity for students to learn about kidney disease, organ donation, and the life-changing impact of community advocacy.
"Our involvement with the Canadian Kidney Walk began as part of a broader effort to connect students with meaningful, real-world causes that promote empathy and community engagement," says Bains. "Kidney disease, organ donation, and transplantation affect many families, yet these are topics that are not widely discussed in school settings."
The initiative was also inspired by a personal story within the school community. Last year, students volunteered at kidney health awareness events in local gurdwaras and community gatherings, experiences that led the school to organize its first Green Shirt Day on April 7 to promote organ donation awareness. By partnering with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the school was able to combine student leadership, health education, and community service while delivering culturally sensitive awareness presentations in Punjabi.
Building on the foundation established last year, students returned with greater confidence, stronger organization, and increased ownership of the initiative. Enhanced awareness campaigns, peer-to-peer encouragement, personal connections to the cause, and improved fundraising strategies all contributed to surpassing the previous year's total.
Beyond the funds raised, Bains believes educating young people about kidney disease and organ donation is essential.
"Kidney disease is often a silent condition, and many people don't realize its impact until it directly affects them or someone they know," she explains. "By educating students early, they become informed advocates, develop healthier habits, and gain the confidence to have important conversations with their families."
For many students, the experience extended far beyond fundraising. They developed leadership and collaboration skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with kidney disease and those waiting for organ transplants.
A defining moment of this year's initiative came when Grade 12 student Jasmunjot Kaur Uppal shared her family's experience with kidney transplantation. Her father is a kidney transplant recipient, and her personal story helped students connect emotionally with the cause.
"Hearing firsthand about her family's experience transformed the walk from a general cause into something real and relatable," says Bains. "It reminded everyone that behind every statistic is a real person and family."
Guest speakers have also played an important role in deepening students' understanding. Bains credits community advocates and healthcare professionals-including Mrs. Uppal, Makaila Kalsi, Jasmunjot Uppal, Hailey Cheema, Gurjit Powar, and Reetinder Kaur Brar-for bringing lived experiences into the classroom and encouraging meaningful conversations around kidney health and organ donation. She also acknowledged the support of fellow staff members Ms. Salkeld, Ms. Singh, Ms. Ohana, and many others who helped make the initiative a success.
For Bains, schools have a unique responsibility in shaping not only academic success but also compassionate, engaged citizens.
"Programs like the Canadian Kidney Walk encourage empathy, leadership, teamwork, and active citizenship," she says. "These experiences prepare students to become thoughtful members of society who understand the impact they can have in their communities."
Looking ahead, Bains hopes the Canadian Kidney Walk will become a lasting tradition at L.A. Matheson Secondary, with even greater student participation and stronger community partnerships in the years to come.
Her message to the wider community is straightforward: "Kidney health and organ donation matter. By learning more, having conversations, and choosing to get involved, we can all play a role in saving lives. Every contribution-whether through awareness, advocacy, or fundraising-makes a difference."
According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, approximately one in 10 Canadians is affected by kidney disease, while more than 50,000 Canadians are living with end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Through initiatives like the Canadian Kidney Walk, students at L.A. Matheson Secondary are helping ensure that awareness-and hope-continues to grow, one step at a time.
