National Office 310-5160 Decarie Blvd. Montreal, QC H3X 2H9 514 369 4806 | 1 800 361 7494 Kidney.ca NATIONAL MEDIA RELEASE DAVID AYRES STEPS IN FOR ANOTHER EMERGENCY SITUATION Backup goaltender launches the Kidney Foundation Emergency Fund [MONTREAL, QUEBEC – April 20, 2020] As soon as he was made aware of the urgent circumstances that many kidney patients are currently facing, David Ayres was ready to lend a hand in any way he could. Ayres, who rose to fame in February as the first emergency backup goaltender to record a win in the history of the NHL, has first-hand knowledge of the daily plight of those affected by kidney disease. “As a kidney patient and transplant recipient, I know that coping with dialysis treatments and its effects are challenging in the best of times,” states Ayres. “Now that our world is turned upside down due to the pandemic, I can only imagine what patients and their families have to deal with.” During a game held in Toronto between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ayres was called in as emergency goalie after both Hurricanes’ goaltenders were injured. Even though his performance led to a defeat for the Maple Leafs, hometown fans were won over by the Ontario resident’s Cinderella story, cheering him on all the way. The current COVID-19 health crisis has had the greatest impact on the most vulnerable segments of the population, including people with kidney failure. For many, getting to their regular dialysis treatments has become extremely difficult, while their regular transportation services are reduced or suspended. With a compromised immune system, protocols related to social distancing and other best practices become more acute. More than ever, patients are turning to the services and support programs provided by The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “We have seen a marked increase in requests for short-term financial assistance and peer support,” said Greg Robbins, National President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “These are core elements of The Foundation’s mission; however, the increased demand comes at a time when donations are down.” The Kidney Foundation Emergency Fund Campaign, spearheaded by Ayres, was launched to help remedy the situation. Ayres is calling on Canadians from all walks of life to help however they can. Additionally, thanks to the generosity of June and Russ Jones, the first $50,000 in donations made to the fund at kidney.ca/emergencyfund will be matched. “With so many of our usual activities suspended or delayed, we need our supporters to contribute to our virtual campaigns,” said Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to David and to the Jones family for stepping up and leading the charge with our Emergency Fund.” CHARITABLE REGISTRATION NO.: 10756 7398 RR0001 NATIONAL MEDIA RELEASE About The Kidney Foundation of Canada Excellent kidney health, optimal quality of life, and a cure for kidney disease. For over 50 years, this vision has guided us to be a collaborative, inventive and focused leader in the development of programs, services, research opportunities and awareness campaigns that have had a positive impact on the millions of Canadians living with, or at risk of developing kidney disease. The Foundation's national research program has grown to become one of the most important sources of funding for scientists conducting kidney-related research. We are also committed to providing education, information and support about kidneys and kidney disease. For more information, visit kidney.ca. - 30 - For more information, or to request an interview with David Ayres: Wendy Kudeba, CAE Paul St-Germain National Director, Communications & Marketing National Communications Manager The Kidney Foundation of Canada The Kidney Foundation of Canada [email protected] [email protected] 1.800.387.4474 ext. 4980 1.800.361.7494 ext.249 CHARITABLE REGISTRATION NO.: 10756 7398 RR0001 .