The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s supports local families, and this year, a fourth community will be adding a walk.

The annual event, taking place on the morning of Saturday May 11th, has added The Town of the Blue Mountains to the list of communities holding events, joining Owen Sound, Hanover, and Saugeen Shores.

“We have services all over Grey and Bruce counties,” said Stephen Musehl, Executive Director with the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce. “Each year the Society works closely with more than 1,000 local families who are living with dementia. Our services are available all over Bruce and Grey and the increase in events reflects that. We offer six support groups, five Minds in Motion sites, partnerships in ten Memory Clinics, three Memory Cafés and education or training anywhere it’s needed.”

This is the fourth year for the fundraising event and the second with national sponsor IG Wealth Management. “IG Wealth Management have been great partners. They believe in what we are doing and have helped by signing up, raising funds, volunteering and anything else we might need.” Last year’s event brought in a record amount for the organization with more than $84,000 raised. This year organizers hope to reach $100,000.

Musehl said the event helps raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia while also being the biggest fundraiser for the local organization. “We live in just an amazingly generous community and for that we are so grateful. Without amazing fundraisers, volunteers, sponsors and donors this could never happen.”

“All the funds raised stay in Grey and Bruce,” Musehl said. “Historically we have only received half our funding from the government. The other half comes from fundraising and it allows us to run our services and programs right in communities all over the region.”

The Owen Sound location has moved this year from Kelso Beach to the Grey-Sauble Conservation Authority near Inglis Falls. Musehl said “we wanted something with more shelter from the wind that would offer our walkers a better experience.”

“Anyone is welcome to come and learn and enjoy. There are no registration fees and no required walking distances. This is about building community and supporting local families living with dementia,” said Musehl. Anyone interested in taking part can go to www.WalkForAlzheimers.ca to register online by finding one of the four locations: Owen Sound, Hanover, Saugeen Shores, or Blue Mountains. People can also get a pledge form online or from the office. Walkers who raise $100 will receive an IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s T-shirt.

Registration for the Walks opens at 9am, with the walks starting at 10pm. The locations are: Owen Sound – Grey-Sauble Conservation Authority; Hanover – Sulphur Springs Conservation Area; Saugeen Shores- Fairy Lake Trail; Town of the Blue Mountains – Cedar Grove Labyrinth. More information available at www.alzheimergreybruce.com

source: media release, Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce