What’s happening?
The Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s is taking place on Sunday, May 6 at Burnaby Lake Pavilion, 6871 Roberts St., Burnaby. Registration for the New Westminster/Burnaby walk opens at 9:15 a.m. and the walk is from 10 a.m. to noon.
What’s it for?
A recent survey found that more than 50 per cent of Canadians affected by dementia have felt stigmatized or discriminated against. The Walk for Alzheimer’s seeks to send a message of inclusion and hope to the estimated 70,000 British Columbians currently living with dementia, and the people who care for them.
Tell me more:
The walk is taking place in 23 locations across B.C., with each walk being dedicated to an honouree.
Who is being recognized in the local walk?
John Stark, acting director of planning for the City of New Westminster, is being honoured at the local walk.
“All of our walks across the province are dedicated to an honouree – someone who has been affected by dementia, or someone who has valuably contributed to the lives of people who are living with the disease. John falls into both categories,” said Heather Cowie, provincial coordinator, Dementia-Friendly Communities for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “He has personal experience, as his father is currently living with the disease. John – with the leadership and support of New Westminster council and staff – has been instrumental in making New Westminster B.C.’s first dementia-friendly community; a place where people living with the disease are welcomed, included and supported.”
How can I get involved?
Participants are also encouraged to walk in honour of someone in their lives who has faced dementia. To set up a team (or get more information), go to walkforalzheimers.ca.
“Teams bring so much energy, meaning and passion to the walk. They motivate and inspire each other to fundraise, and it’s so touching to see them unite together to remember someone who has been affected by dementia,” said Sara Wagner, who is the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s manager of regional services for the Fraser region. “We urge people to consider creating a team for the walk. You will be creating a movement to show people on the dementia journey that they do not have to walk alone.”
What is money being raised for?
The society promises that funds raised through the event will make a world of difference to people affected by dementia in New Westminster and Burnaby. They will directly fund support, education and learning opportunities so people affected by dementia can live their best lives possible. Funds will also help enable research into the causes of and the cure for the disease.
Need more info?
Go to www.walkforalzheimers.ca. or www.alzheimer.ca.
