North Okanagan residents can join a team to participate in the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s and show their support for people who face dementia.
The event is Canada’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and takes place in Vernon and in 21 other communities across B.C. May 7.
A fun and family-friendly event, unique to each community, each walk is dedicated to an honouree – someone who has been affected by dementia.Vernon is honouring all local volunteers.
While you can walk in honour of all Vernon volunteers, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. also encourages walking in honour or memory of someone in your life who has faced dementia.
“Teams are incredibly important to this event,” said Jennifer Cameron, events officer at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
“Many walk teams include people living with dementia, care partners, or those with a personal connection to the disease on them, so walking on a team with friends and family is a very powerful and meaningful experience. It helps all of us who have been touched by dementia feel, in a very tangible way, that we are not alone and that we can make a difference.”
Creating or joining a team is easy. Simply go to walkforalzheimers.ca, select Vernon from the pull down menu, and follow the prompts.
The funds raised by Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s support programs, education and services in Vernon and across B.C. They also contribute towards awareness activities and research into the causes of and cure for dementia.
Last year in B.C., the event raised more than $813,000.
“When you walk, you make memories matter,” said Cameron.
“You honour those who have passed and acknowledge the work that must be done to ensure help and hope for those living with the disease today.”