Funds are urgently needed to support people with dementia and their care partners locally. The community is urged to take up the fight by fundraising and participating in the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.
“We’re calling on all Niagara residents to show their support by walking their own way this year,” says Teena Kindt, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region. “It’s critical that we all get behind this cause and raise the needed funds to provide education, support, and strategies for living well with dementia.”
Natalie Walker, a virtual Kindergarten teacher and a caregiver until the recent passing of her father says, “It’s been a huge challenge to be a caregiver during the pandemic. At first dad didn’t quite get why he couldn’t come with me to the grocery store or why we weren’t going out for dinner anymore. It was heartbreaking to see him become even more isolated when the disease itself isolates people. Even with a very supportive family and husband there were times when it was tough. Regular phone calls from my Family Support Counsellor at the Alzheimer’s Society also helped me feel connected. When there was a change in dad’s behaviours and I needed help or suggestions on how to help him, she was there with advice and sometimes just to listen. It was amazing to have that support.”
Fundraisers unite over their desire to truly make a difference for people living with dementia and those that support them. More funds are required to meet the growing demand for life-changing programs and services, including dementia education, social recreation programs for people with dementia and support for caregivers.
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is the Alzheimer Society’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Last January, over 450 participants raised more than $137,000 to provide services to people with dementia – right here in Niagara.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia strike every community and consume entire families. No one should have to face this disease alone. Residents can help by registering and fundraising for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s at www.walkforalzheimers.ca. Participants can sign up individually or make an even bigger impact by joining or creating a virtual team with family and friends. Then join us for some fun and trivia on January 31st at 2 pm and help make memories matter!
The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region offers specialized counselling services to mitigate risk, a vast array of wellness and social programs and opportunities to educate people living with dementia, their families, informal and informal caregivers and the public at large.
