The Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington rallied clients, families and people impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia to raise money and awareness at the Walk for Memories event on Jan. 28.
There were two events held – one at the Old Quebec Shoppes and Suites in Guelph, and one at the Sports Recreation Complex in Mount Forest and presented by Your Neighbourhood Credit Union. The latter saw walkers there raise $15,500.
Over 100 people registered and participated in both the walks and activities at the walks, including face painting, candy counting, a photo booth, and memory testing.
Combined, the walks raised a total of $43,000 towards the Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington’s fundraising goal of $50,000.
Donations can be made until the end of March through the office or online at www.walkformemories.ca.
Money raised supports local programs and services of the Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington, including counselling, support groups and public education.
Today, 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, with this number expected to increase to 1.4 million in less than 20 years. Although Canada’s aging demographic will continue to fuel these numbers, increasingly people in their 40s and 50s are also being affected.
Growing evidence also shows that brain changes resulting in dementia can begin 25 years before symptoms appear.
The Alzheimer Society is the leading nationwide health charity for people living withAlzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Active across Canada, the society offers help for today through our programs and services, and hope for tomorrow by funding research into the cause, prevention and a cure.
