Despite a cool start to the day 0n Saturday, May 24th, many family members gathered at Fairy Lake in Southampton for the annual IG Wealth Management Walk For Alzheimer’s, Grey-Bruce’s biggest fundraiser for local families living with dementia.
Every year, a family can be touched by dementia or Alzheimer’s and, while it is often thought of as an ‘old’ person’s disease, it has been proven that is not the case as it can also strike those who are in their middle years.
There are currently 4,400 people in Grey Bruce living with dementia and some 250,000 in Ontario with the number expected to grow by 53 per cent by 2030 and to reach one million across Canada. Today, one in five Canadians have experienced caring for someone living with dementia.
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“There has never been a more critical and important time to support this cause,” said Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “There are lots of people in our community who are living with Alzheimer’s or are family members of those who are living with Alzheimer’s.
Funds raised at the five walks in Grey Bruce stay in the region to help those with Alzheimers, for education, counselling and for caregivers. The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce raises over 50% of funding from the community for local programs and services.
Among those who raise funds, Legacy Walker Ernie Oliver, once again was top individual fundraiser in Saugeen Shores having raised more than $3,500.
“I am still fundraising until June,” says Oliver who raises funds and walks in memory of his late mother.
Oliver, who works at Mowbray’s Canadian Tire in Port Elgin, adds, “I know it’s a tough year for everyone but it’s especially tough for those families who have loved ones with this disease.”
Oliver puts fundraising on a personal level but reminds everyone they can also donate on-line at www.walkforalzheimers.ca
A final total is not yet available as on-line fundraising continues.
