NEWS RELEASE
ALZHEIMER SOCIETY
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The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County is once again hosting the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, which takes place Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the Simcoe County Museum.
The walk raises crucial funds that allow the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County to offer programs and services to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers across Simcoe County.
The number of people in Canada living with dementia is rising rapidly. By the year 2050, more than 1.7 million people will be living with dementia in Canada.
As the number of people affected by dementia increases, so does the need for services.
“As the need continues to grow for access to our services, the importance of every donation is recognized in how it helps us reach further across the county. Our upcoming walk is not only a key fundraising event, it is a day to recognize, celebrate and thank all of our supporters. Our team is our community," said chief executive officer Ann-Marie Kungl.
This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 to support the 11,500 people living with dementia in Simcoe County.
One of our top individual walkers, Matthew Vorstermans, has been participating since 2007, raising more than $70,000 since. He walks in memory of his Oma Jean, who lived in Pittsfield, Mass.
See Matthew’s story here
“Despite the distance between us, we maintained a great relationship. We wrote letters to each other and talked on the phone all the time,” Matthew said. “I have innumerable memories of her and replay lots of them in my head on a daily basis.”
Certain items still remind Matthew of his Oma, such as a Dutch milkmaid figurine the family has, a blue afghan, and Oma’s personalized casserole recipe the family still makes. Whenever he hears A Resting Song by Carla Lindsey, it reminds Matthew of his visits, because he had it on cassette and always brought along with him.
“It now fills me with a mixture of longing and comfort as I’m transported back to Oma’s house and relive the glorious times I spent there.”
As Matthew gets ready to walk in memory of her again this year, other families are also taking steps to honour their loved ones who have been impacted by dementia.
Ron and Sharon Allen are celebrating 24 years walking as part of the Goldie Gang, in memory of Sharon’s late mother, Gladys Goldie.
Gramma Goldie, as she was known, lived independently for several years after her diagnosis.
“The only assistance we were getting was through the Alzheimer Society,” Ron said. “Gramma Goldie lived on her own for two or three years in a senior’s apartment building, where she knew everybody.”
But after a crisis situation, Gramma Goldie was moved to a long-term care home, eventually settling in at Victoria Village in Barrie.
“We got involved with the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County because they were a great help to us. Sharon and I decided to support the walk in 2001, and our team grew to include children and grandchildren,” Ron said.
Together, the Goldie Gang team has raised more than $60,000 over the years through their participation.
Here’s how you can get involved in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s and make a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their families:
- Register for your local Walk – sign up as a team captain, team member or as an individual
- Start fundraising - Share your fundraising page and your reasons for walking on social media using the official hashtag #IGWalkForAlz. Reach out to your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues (in person and online) to ask for support.
- Join us on Walk Day on May 26, 2024 – join dedicated people like you, who are committed to helping people living with dementia and caregivers. Get inspired and get moving!
Join us at the Simcoe County Museum from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This promises to be an incredible family friendly day featuring musicians, face painting, a kid’s zone, bingo and outdoor games, a Zumba warm up and the Barrie Colts’ Charlie Horse. This year you can again bring dogs (on leashes) to join in the walk. Please bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated for the event.
Domino’s Pizza will be served. There are several available trails throughout our Simcoe County Forest to get your 11,500 steps in too! Our fantastic Simcoe County Museum host has generously invited walk participants to stay and explore the museum to learn more about the area’s past.
“At IG Wealth Management – Ontario North Central, we wholeheartedly support the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County because we believe in standing together to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and dementia,” Ontario North Central regional vice-president Michael Richardson said. “This cause is deeply significant to us because we recognize the profound impact Alzheimer's has on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. By participating in this walk, we contribute to raising awareness, funding research, and providing support for those affected by Alzheimer's.
Every step we take is a step towards a brighter future, where we can find better treatments, enhance care, and ultimately strive for a world without Alzheimer's. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those facing this challenging disease."
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