March of Dimes Canada (MODC) has made the difficult decision to bring the annual Step Up for Stroke fundraising event to a close. This decision follows a significant review of how the event has performed in recent years, as well as broader shifts in how people choose to participate in and support charitable fundraising.

Fundraising has changed in meaningful ways. Supporters today are looking for more flexibility in how they give — opportunities that reflect their own lives, schedules, and communities. At the same time, the resources required to run a national event like Step Up for Stroke have continued to grow. Together, these changes have made it harder to deliver the kind of experience our community deserves.

Retiring Step Up for Stroke allows us to focus on building fundraising programs that are sustainable, inclusive, and national in reach. Our goal is to support more people with disabilities, including stroke survivors and their families, now and into the future. This shift also opens the door to new fundraising opportunities — ones designed to evolve with our supporters and offer more choice, creativity, and accessibility.

In the coming months, MODC will transition to a community‑led fundraising model enabling people and groups — including stroke survivors and After Stroke peer support groups — to organize activities that feel meaningful to everyone.

MODC will provide tools, resources, and guidance to help communities create events in ways that best reflect their needs and interests. We’re also beginning early work on a future national fundraising initiative that’s built to last.

Most importantly, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to every participant, volunteer, donor, and After Stroke group who supported Step Up for Stroke over the years. Your energy, leadership, generosity, and compassion have made a real and lasting difference for stroke survivors and their families across Canada.

Thank you for everything you’ve contributed. We look forward to working with you in new and exciting ways as we continue this important work together.