It’s almost time to lace up your shoes and support local people living with dementia.
The Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton, Halton is hosting the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s on Saturday, May 27 at Lions Park in Jarvis.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and I’m looking forward to seeing community members from both Haldimand and Norfolk come together in Jarvis to show their support for people living with dementia in our community,” said Alison MacKenzie, community development officer for the society.
A fundraising walk is also being held at Brantford’s Kiwanis Field behind Pauline Johnson School on May 27 from 10 am to noon.
The fundraising goal for walks in all of the communities served by the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton, Halton is $250,000.
CEO Mary Burnett, who is retiring in September after almost 17 years with the Alzheimer Society, did some fundraising of her own on Thursday with an event called Mary Takes a Hike.
Burnett visited local Alzheimer Society offices to meet with staff and take short walks, with a goal of raising $10,000.
“It’s going well,” said Burnett. “I’m almost halfway there.
“I’m trying to recognize the community and staff with whom I’ve had the honor of working. I’ve loved every minute of my time with the Alzheimer Society. I see every day the positive impact services are having on people affected by dementia.
Every year, the number of people living with dementia rises. The Landmark Study, released last fall, predicts the number in Ontario will more than triple over the next 30 years to more than 750,000 people.
The walk raises funds that allow the Alzheimer Society to offer dementia education, counseling services and wellness activities to those living with dementia and their caregivers.
“I have been personally impacted by this disease, which drives me to walk as often as I can,” said Kevin Reid, regional vice president for IG Wealth Management. “I walk for my mother and for all who are suffering, in addition to those caregivers who work so hard to support loved ones.”
For more information on the walk and services offered by the Alzheimer Society, go to www.alzda.ca or call 1-800-565-4614.