Alzheimer Society's Annual Walk Fundraiser Runs This Saturday at Justin Chiu Stadium

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is getting their feet moving at Trent University’s Justin Chiu Stadium for the IG Wealth Management Annual Walk fundraiser this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Jen Johnstone, the Alzheimer Society's executive director, all proceeds from the event will go towards the organization’s programs and services in three ways.

“One is supporting counselling and healthcare navigation. It's very complicated demntia so people need a lot of support navigating that healthcare system,” she explained. “It goes towards education for our clients, for the public and it goes towards social recreation programs like our famous Minds and Motions program.”

This year’s fundraising goal is $114,790, with $42,000 raised at the publication of this article. The number is a fun but informative way to get people to walk 14,790 steps, representing the 14,790 people diagnosed with dementia in the region alone. Johnstone says that this number is likely higher than what has been officially recorded.

“Dementia is growing very, very rapidly. Based on the landmark study that was released by the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, from 2021 to 2030, we're expecting a 65 per cent increase in the number living with dementia.”

That increasing trend will continue based on their case studies and conducted research, says Johnstone.

“Dementia is going to triple beyond that to 2050 so we're already going to see that skyrocketing rate of dementia and we know that it can take a very long time to get a diagnosis,” she said. “The healthcare system is currently backlogged so we know that there are a lot of people living with the disease and just starting that journey.”

In addition to raising money, Johnstone wants the event to continue creating awareness for the community as it affects a large number of people in the covered community.

“It's really key for our community to be aware of dementia. We have one of the largest older adult populations in the country; well over a quarter of our population is over the age of 65 and so it's a really important issue in our region,” she explained. “We are really on the front lines of dementia so it is building that awareness as well as building that sense of community and hope.

Participants can register on-site or online. Money can be raised through a pledge form as an individual or a team. Donations are also welcomed at the event. Anyone is welcome to walk and dogs are permitted at the fundraiser.

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