TILLSONBURG George Papadakos plans to run every day in January during the 2023 Miles for Memories fundraiser in support of the Alzheimer Society.
More than $5,500 was donated to the Alzheimer Society last year.
“Last year, 50 or 60 people donated and ran with us or ran their own kilometers and hash-tagged #anythingforalzheimers or #milesformemories,” said Papadakos. “This year, so far, I’ve already got a number of donations and, obviously, as people start thinking about it after January 1st, we’re going to see it snowballing – more people donating, more people running and more people getting active as well.”
He stressed that the fundraiser is an open event. People can run or walk whatever distance they want in January in their own communities.
“It’s just about getting out and running a little bit,” he said.
“Or going out for walks every day, maybe something you’re not used to doing. Last year a lot of people started walking way more than they had been, bundling up and getting out in the cold, getting their kids out, getting their dogs out and just doing a lot more to be active. It’s cold outside, but that does not have to be an excuse to stay inside.”
Papadakos and his family have been supporters of the Alzheimer Society for years through the society’s annual fundraising walks and through charity duathlons he organized in Tillsonburg.
In January 2021, he kicked off Marathons for Memories, planning to run 31 marathons in 31 days. Injuries prevented that from happening, but residents pitched in, helping Papadakos raise more than $40,000 for the Alzheimer Society.
That event transitioned into Miles for Memories in January 2022, which had participants walking and running across Canada, the US and UK
“I’m always grateful for every donor, whether they are the big platinum donors that donate three to four thousand dollars or the people who are donating five or ten dollars. At the end of the day, every little bit helps. That’s how we got to $41,000 in 2021. There were so many people who contributed in some way, shape or form. And I’m hoping we can instil that back into our community this January, as well.”
Alzheimer Society Canada released a report last September stating that more than 600,000 people in the country are living with dementia. By 2030, that number is expected to be one million. Another 350,000 people are care partners for those with dementia, who average 26 hours of care per week.
Papadakos created Miles for Memories to support what the Alzheimer Society’s community services from respite care to educating people on caring for loved ones with dementia.
And he said people to be active.
“They say there’s a link towards fighting off dementia and Alzheimer’s through physical activity and taking care of yourself. I think they go hand-in-hand. So keeping yourself active and just getting out there is kind of what we’ve been promoting, and obviously that’s my lifestyle, so it’s been easy to showcase that to the community. People know what I’m about and it’s nice to be able to give back in this way – not only to the Alzheimer Society, but also to people who are looking for a little inspiration in January and the ‘dark days of winter.’”
Miles for Memories kicked off Jan. 1 and will run the entire month.
Papadakos is challenging his friends and supporters to run a marathon with him.
“I have about nine or 10 people right now that are going to run one marathon with me (in January).”
Miles for Memories donations can be made through the Alzheimer Society Ontario website (search for Anything for Alzheimer’s George Papadakos).
For more information, email Papadakos at [email protected] or find him on Facebook or Instagram (@triathlongeorge).