A Barbeque next week in North Huron will raise money for the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Two local Kidney transplant recipients are organizing the fundraiser
Wingham's Jennie Hopper says she received her life-saving donation in 2016.
"It was from an anonymous donor. I had been on dialysis for 8 years. I got diagnosed when I was 40. It was the shock of my life. it snuck up on me, I didn't have any warning at all," Hopper said.
North Huron native Mike Rintoul was diagnosed as a child.
"I was a 'Kidney Kid'. I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was 9. And when I was 45 I had to go on dialysis. Then in 2014, I was donated a kidney by my son Jonathan," he explained.
"It changed my life. I am so thankful. I am trying to give back. The kidney foundation did so much for me through all my struggles," he continued.
"Dialysis is extremely difficult, not only physically but emotionally. So when you hear the news that you might be getting a kidney, you brighten up, and then you have something you are looking forward to. It's a long road on dialysis," he added.
The fundraiser runs from 4 pm to midnight Saturday, August 18th at the Wingham Sportsman's Association on Royal St. in North Huron. Along with pulled pork, there's a horseshoe tournament, silent auction, 50/50 draw, and an open jam night.
The pair plan to travel to Calgary for the "Kidney March 2018", a 100km 3-day trek in early September of 2018.
Both will be part of the crew for the march in Calgary. It's the largest fundraiser for the foundation.
" I just want to get a little bit of experience. Perhaps we can bring some kind of Kidney March to Wingham," adds Hopper.