Gord Woodward
For The Morning Star
The fun and family-friendly Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s is looking for a volunteer to chair the 2018 walk in Vernon.
The Sunday, May 6 event is part of the country’s biggest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Funds raised stay in B.C. and support local programs and services, as well as enabling research into the causes and cure of the disease.
“Our Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s volunteer committee chairs are not only instrumental to raising funds to support people affected by dementia, they are truly helping to ignite a social movement,” says Angie Kok, manager of resource development at the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “By bringing together the Vernon community, you are helping to ignite a movement to make dementia not just someone else’s problem, but everyone’s concern.”
The society provides in-depth training, resources and ongoing support to ensure the Vernon committee leader has the best event experience possible.
“Becoming a walk chair is a great opportunity for an organized, dedicated and collaborative individual to lead a team of like-minded individuals in order to make a real difference in the lives of people affected by the disease,” says Kok.
“Our team of volunteers is enthusiastic, caring and inspiring. Together, we implement ideas, share laughs, and work through challenges to plan a successful walk.”
Candidates for the chair position should have some organizational skills, be enthusiastic and community-minded. The walk chair is responsible for mobilizing and inspiring existing committee volunteers; recruiting and supporting new committee members; dividing up the work; and ensuring the team is successful at promoting the walk locally and to recruit participants. He or she will work closely with Alzheimer Society of B.C. staff.
Other volunteers may also be needed to serve on the Vernon Walk committee. If you are interested, or would like more information, contact Stacy Ashton at sashton@alzheimerbc.org or 604-742-4937.
It’s estimated that 70,000 British Columbians live with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and that number is growing. The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s ultimate vision is a world without dementia. Until that vision can be achieved, our more immediate vision is of a world where people living with dementia are welcomed, acknowledged and included – a dementia-friendly society.
For more information on local resources that can help you live well with dementia, visit www.alzheimerbc.org