Reg Watson is known for his sense of humour.
Even now that the Vernon resident is living with dementia, his humour helps him and his family, said daughter Cathy.
“Making sad things seem funny makes it easier for everyone around him to deal with it as well,” she said. “This is how Dad handles things. You laugh it off and keep going.”
Watson is this year’s honoree for the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s for Vernon. The fundraising event for the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. takes place May 1, with the theme “Make memories matter.”
Residents can participate, donate and volunteer at www.walkforalzheimers.ca.
Watson enjoys participating in the society’s local programs. He’s a regular in the Minds in Motion fitness and social program, where he is able to share ideas and get tips from people experiencing similar challenges, in addition to learning about the disease and the services available to help people live with it.
Watson, who has lived in B.C. for all but one year of his life, raised his two children in North Vancouver and worked as a manager at BC Tel for 38 years. In his youth he was a featherweight boxer and baseball player. He played rugby into his 40s and enjoyed golf.
Vernon residents can honour Watson, and support other local families living with dementia, by taking part or donating to the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s on May 1.
“Memories make us who we are,” said walk chairman Ray Riva. “When you walk, you honour those who have passed and support our work to provide help and hope to those living with the disease today.”
Riva encourages participation because “everyone will be touched by dementia, whether it’s a relative, a friend or someone in your community. You can make a difference.”
Walk registration takes place at 8:30 a.m. at Kal Tire Place, 3445-43rd Ave. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m.
Individuals and teams are welcome, and are asked to collect pledges. Funds raised support programs and services in the community that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and for their families, and support other activities like education and public awareness
Any team that raises more than $1,000 by this Friday will be entered into a draw for a $500 Best Buy gift card.
Volunteers are also needed. For more information, visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca or contact Riva at 250-951-9163 or r.riva@groundsguys.ca.
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The support you need when you need it.
That’s the mantra of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link dementia support service. It can connect North Okanagan residents with dementia, and their care partners, to support services, education and information at any stage of the journey. And it provides an ongoing connection to bulletins, support groups, education and one-on-one phone calls.
You can contact First Link dementia support by asking your health-care provider, when you get a diagnosis, to connect you to help you plan for the changes; calling the First Link Dementia Helpline if you are living with dementia or have questions about the disease, at 1-800-936-6033.
You can also contact the society’s North & Central Okanagan Resource Centre to receive information, education and support from staff and volunteers at 250-860-0305 or toll-free 1-800-634-3399.