COMMUNITY COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS
On the Air The Chinese Renal Association raises awareness and support
T
he Kidney Foundation’s Chinese Renal Association held its first Radiothon on Sing Tao A1 Chinese Radio on Thursday, October 14. The all-day event invited listeners to hear personal stories from kidney patients, physicians, allied health professionals and volunteers throughout the day while raising funds to support crucial programs and services such as short term financial assistance. “The radiothon was an important opportunity to share kidney health information with our Chinese community and support the Foundation’s short-term financial assistance program,” said Alan Hui, Chair of The Chinese Renal Association. “After months of planning, we were so thrilled to raise over $125,000, surpassing all of our goals,” added Hui. The Chinese Renal Association is a volunteer-led local Chinese Chapter started by patients and nurses who felt education, information and support needed to be more readily available to Chinese-speaking communities. Their many years of work resulted in the wealth of information
kidney.ca
Unsplash.com/MattBotsford
and resources to support Chinese Canadians who are affected by kidney disease. Benson Sy, a devoted member of the Chinese Renal Association, proposed this radiothon last winter as a new way to raise funds and awareness of kidney health in the Chinese community. Sadly, Benson passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, but his friends, family and fellow volunteers were committed to seeing this project through in his honour and ensuring that it was a success.
We would like to express our thanks to the many sponsors and donors who helped make this event such a success: Scarborough Nephrology Associates, iTalkBB, Ontario Print Factory, Greenfield Golf, East Asian Internal Support Network—Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Hong Kong Lion’s Club. Thank you to the many speakers who shared their expertise and personal journies with kidney disease and to the many volunteers for their time and dedication in organizing the event.
Fall 2021 / Kidney Living / 21
