Monday, April 20, 2015
Alzheimer Society of Perth County
Walk for Alzheimer’s coming to Stratford this Spring
Alzheimer Society of Perth County introduces its first outdoor spring event at the Walk for Alzheimer’s, on May 23, 2015. The event will be part of the leading nation-wide awareness and fundraising campaigns for Alzheimer Society’s across Canada. It’s a new event, evolving from the Walk for Memories, but as more people are affected by dementia, the need for support has escalated as well. Programs such as the Volunteer Companion Program and iPods for Memories are not government funded so the Society relies on the support of donors to continue to offer such invaluable services. By rolling out the newly branded Walk in springtime the Alzheimer Society is hoping that families who are separated by distance can come together and eliminate the worry of winter weather being a deterrent.
“We know that as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias become more prevalent in our communities each year, more people are affected. A new trend we’re seeing is children who are learning at a very young age what dementia looks like, and they want to do something about it” says Sheri Gilhula, Public Education Coordinator. The Walk for Alzheimer’s will provide an opportunity for people of all ages to rally together in one location to show their support for loved ones, family and friends who are navigating their journey through dementia.
The Walk for Alzheimer’s will kick off from Upper Queens Park Pavilion with registration starting at 9am. The Walk/Run will start at 10am. The river route is a 5-kilometer course, with an opening ceremony to honour those living with dementia and their caregivers. After the Walk/Run people can enjoy musical entertainment, food, refreshments and celebrate their achievements.
Families who have been faced with the challenges of dementia will lead the inaugural lap. If your family would like to take part or if you know of someone who should be honoured, please contact the Alzheimer Society office 519-271-1910 to submit your nomination.
“It’s all about community and bringing people together who are affected by this hard reality. No one is alone through this journey and the Walk for Alzheimer’s is the perfect venue to voice that out loud,” says Debbie Deichert, Executive Director. “We are appealing for the whole community to come together as we take our next steps forward to tackle dementia.”
To register to Walk/Run visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca. Registration/pledge sheets are available at the Alzheimer Society, Runners’ Wall, CrossFit Stratford, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union, or by phoning 519-271-1910 or emailing info@alzheimerperthcounty.com.
Media Contact:
Brittany Williams
Events Coordinator
Alzheimer Society of Perth County
519-271-1910
bwilliams@alzheimerperthcounty.com
|