David Ayres and the Kidney Foundation of Canada are teaming up to launch an emergency fund during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ayres, the 42-year-old emergency backup goalie who made eight saves for the Carolina Hurricanes and earned a win in a 6-3 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Feb. 22, spoke about the initiative Friday.
"This time of year, and this situation that we're in, is tough for a lot of people that are going through kidney disease, whether it's dialysis or post-transplant," he told 680 News in Toronto.
The NHL season was paused March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.
Ayres, who had a kidney transplant in 2004 during the SARS outbreak (his mother, Mary, was the donor), said he understands the needs of kidney disease patients and their families, particularly during the pandemic.
"You're kind of separated from your family," Ayres said. "I was. And you kind of feel lonely."
Ayres said he hopes to help raise $100,000 for the fund.
"Anything helps," he said. "A dollar, you might not think is much for you and I. But if a million people put a dollar in, that's going to go a really long way for helping kidney transplant patients or kidney disease patients."
