University of Lethbridge Chancellor, Richard Davidson, and his En Route 66 team have raised more than $42,000, the most money of any team, at the first ever Kidney Foundation of Canada Kidney March.

The three-day event took place Sept. 10 to 12 in the Kananaskis and brought participants from all over Canada. A total of 219 participants walked 100 km in support of research efforts to fight kidney disease. In the end, just over $900,000 was raised for the cause.

Davidson led the way as the top individual fundraiser, bringing in over $23,000, while his wife Denise and supporters of En Route 66 then upped that total to more than $42,000 with their efforts. Donations are still coming in, days after the conclusion of the event.

"Since our son's transplant almost 17 years ago, we have had the opportunity to see first hand the value of the

research that has been done, and in more than 20 years of volunteering with the Kidney Foundation, we have seen the way the foundation has helped people living with kidney disease in so many ways," says Davidson.

As a dedicated group, Kidney March walkers received tremendous support leading up to and throughout the event from community members, volunteers, family and friends all committed to making the first ever March a success.

"Everyone's efforts have made the event a huge success for The Kidney Foundation," says Joyce Van Deurzen, executive director of the Kidney Foundation of Canada – Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. "Our walkers, volunteers and donors came together as a community with one goal, and they made it happen. We're incredibly happy with the amount of money raised and the awareness that has been brought to the fight against kidney disease."

The walk, which included stays in two overnight camps, began in Millarville on Friday, Sept. 10 and made its way through beautiful Kananaskis Country. Hundreds of walkers ended their journey Sunday afternoon at Canada Olympic Park.

All March proceeds will go to The Kidney Foundation of Canada in support of kidney health programs, organ donation initiatives and cutting-edge medical research aimed at combating kidney disease. The Foundation hopes to build the Kidney March into a national event over the next few years. Most Canadians who are at risk of kidney disease may not even know it. Currently, two million people have chronic kidney disease or are at risk and the numbers are growing fast.

To keep informed about next year's Kidney March, call 1-866-9-KMARCH or visit www.kidneymarch.ca.