As of January 1, 2024, more than 733,040 people in Canada are living with dementia. Every day, more than 350 people in Canada develop dementia.
This is more than 15 every hour. By 2030, nearly 1 million people in Canada could live with dementia. (source: Alzheimer Society of Canada)
There is still no cure for most types of dementia worldwide and in Canada.
How can you help?
By joining your local IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's during the month of May to raise funds for your local Alzheimer society.
Here in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District, you can join walks in Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Blind River, and Elliot Lake. Last year, walkers in this area raised over $90,000 in support of the local Alzheimer Society.
This year, walkers in Elliot Lake are already gearing up for their local walk, on Sunday May 26, at Elliot Lake Secondary School. “We are excited to once again, host an in person walk in Elliot Lake to raise funds and awareness for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in our area,” said Samantha Ralph, Community Outreach Coordinator, Alzheimer Society Sault Ste Marie & Algoma District.
Ralph continued, “Walk registration in Elliot Lake starts at 12 noon, and the walk itself will get underway at 1 p.m. We plan to make the event fun for the whole family, with food, drinks, and entertainment as well as the chance to raise funds for this important cause.”
Participants can join a team, start a team, or register as an individual, to collect pledges and join the walk. “We are at 20% of our goal for our area already,” said Ralph. “It would be great to meet and surpass that goal, by walk day!”
If an individual does not want to walk in person, they can certainly walk on their own, they just need to reach out to Ralph to make sure their pledges are counted towards the prizes for top team and fundraiser, which are being offered.
“Yes, we do have prizes as well. It will be a really fun day for everyone, and just a wonderful chance to work together to help local societies offer support for families affected by this difficult disease,” said Ralph.
Local societies, including the one in Elliot Lake, are there to offer support and information to anyone affected by dementia. They offer education, family support, counselling, and recreation therapy programming, which have been shown to improve quality of life and can help delay admittance into a Long-Term Care Home.
If you are interested in joining in the Walk for Alzheimer’s this year, go here to register in Elliot Lake, or here to register for another walk in the region, or call 705-848-8145 for more information.
“We really appreciate everyone who comes out, helps, and volunteers to help us help others in the community,” said Ralph. “Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affects so many in our community; let’s walk together to help local societies help our neighbours.”
