The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce will hold its first Walk for Alzheimer's on Saturday May 7.
Walk for Alzheimer's is a new National Walk bring held by Alzheimer Societies across Canada. It replaces the former Walk for Memories that was held each January.
"We are pleased to be part of the new National Walk," said Deborah Barker, Executive Director. "Walk for Memories was our most important annual awareness and fundraising event and we believe the Walk for Alzheimer's will be even bigger."
The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce will be holding walks in two locations – at Kelso Beach in Owen Sound and at Sulphur Springs Conservation area south of Hanover.
"We chose May 7 because that is Mother's Day weekend," Barker said. "When you consider that more than 70 per cent of those affected by Alzheimer's disease or another dementia are women, and that women also takeon a greater share of the caregiving responsibilities it seemed appropriate to hold our Walk on that weekend."
Barker said it is important to note that although the Walk for Alzheimer's is a national event, all of the money raised locally will stay in Grey-Bruce to help support local programs and services for persons with dementia and for their families and their caregivers.
"We provide information, education, support and counselling services to more than 3,000 people each year," she said. "That works out to an average of almost 10 contacts per working day. Our support staff are very busy and the support we provide helps many people maintain their independence and the highest quality of life possible as the disease progresses.
"We cannot continue to meet that need without the generous support of the Grey-Bruce community."
Already many individuals and teams have signed up online
Alzheimer Societies across Canada are encouraging people to form teams and to walk in recognition of
someone they know who has dementia, or who is a caregiver for someone affected.
"Everyone knows someone who has been affected," Barker said "This is a wonderful way to show your
support for a loved one, or for someone you know."
At both locations registration begins at 9 a.m., the Walks officially begin at 10 and everything wraps up
by noon.
"The Walk for Alzheimer's is a family event and we have multiple generations taking part," Barker said. "Both locations are accessible and have a variety of walking options from short, accessible loops to longer routes.
"Everyone will be able to participate according to their ability."
As well both locations have playgrounds and there will be children's activities.
Barker said the Society is encouraging as many people as possible to participate. "Please join us as an individual or as part of a team," she said. "You will be helping to make a real difference in the lives of people we all know and care about, right here in Grey-Bruce."
Participants are encouraged to register and collect pledges online
You can also obtain a pledge form from our office at 753 2nd Ave. E. in Owen Sound or by calling 519-
376-7230 or -800-265-9013 or on our website
