For those living in remote northern Saskatchewan, even trips to the grocery store can be a few and far between.

Now, imagine living there while receiving the life altering diagnosis of kidney disease. The nearest dialysis centre is at least 2.5 hours away in Meadow Lake, and Saskatoon is roughly a 5-hour drive.

To bridge the gap in kidney care in northern Saskatchewan communities, St. Paul’s Hospital is working to expand care to all Saskatchewan residence with its latest campaign.

CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Lecina Hicke explains that in 2024, the hospital launched the $10 million By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign. Not even one year later, over 70 per cent of the goal has already been raised.

The most recent donation to the cause came this morning as a $225,000 gift from TD Bank.

With the funds raised, an Early Screening pilot program is already underway, with St. Paul’s staff travelling to Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Yellow Quill First Nation, and Kinistin Saulteaux Nation in an effort to detect kidney disease before it progresses.

The pilot program will operate for five years, but Hicke says there are plans to expand to additional communities in the future.