Anita Duncan and her family were likely a major reason Petrolia’s 5k fundraising walk for the local Alzheimer Society nearly doubled in size this year.
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“It’s a heartbreaking disease — for caregivers, for everyone,” said Duncan, whose mom Nettie Rops died in March 2022.
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Her family noticed Rops’ memory declining about 10 years ago, she said.
About 60 members in her extended family were on hand for the second annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in Petrolia Saturday.
“We’re doing this in memory of mom,” said Duncan, an ambassador for this year’s walk.
Overall about 150 walkers were taking part, said the Sarnia-Lambton society’s Marie Marcie-Smids, adding it’s great to see the growth.
Another walk for the society is May 26 in Sarnia with about 400 expected walkers, she said.
Duncan’s family were also ambassadors for the walk in Sarnia in 2023.
Combined, the goal for the walks this year is $90,000, Marcie-Smids said, after last year they raised $80,000, including $10,000 in Petrolia.
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Officials estimate 3,000 people in Sarnia-Lambton over age 65 have dementia, not including people with early onset of the incurable, degenerative disease type.
For every person diagnosed, the society estimates there are two care partners impacted, Marcie-Smids said.
Sarnia’s walk, with check-in starting at 8:30 am at the Suncor Agora in Centennial Park, will be the ninth annual, she said.
“It has grown a lot,” she said.
Expanding another walk to Petrolia was encouraged by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, since many of the Sarnia-Lambton society’s clients live in long-term care and retirement homes in the Petrolia area, she said.
“Petrolia was a natural fit,” she said.
Food, music and kids activities are part of both events, she said, noting Sarnia’s will also feature the official announcement of a $180,000 Trillium Foundation grant.
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The money funds a volunteer coordinator position “and everything that goes with it” for two years at the society, she said, noting the position started in October 2022.
It’ll continue when grant funding ends this October because society fundraising has increased, with more volunteers coming on board, she said, adding fundraising was up 22 per hundred last year.
“It’s also increased our capacity to do more events because we have more volunteers involved in delivering programs,” said Melanie Bouck, the society’s CEO.
That includes restarting a music program to help with stimulating memories for people with dementia, and opening a new drop-in center at the society’s East Street office for care partners, officials said.
The number of registered volunteers with the society has increased by 20 in 18 months, and dozens more aren’t registered but help out with events, said volunteer coordinator Amanda Rand.
The society also helps people with navigating the healthcare system and various support services, Marcie-Smids said.
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