The Alzheimer Society of KFLA will kick start their annual fall fundraising campaign “Anything for Alzheimer’s” with a Coffee Day at McDonalds on Sept. 30.
This Friday, all McDonald’s throughout Kingston and Napanee, will donate 50 cents of every coffee sold that day, to the local Alzheimer Society. In addition, Alzheimer staff and volunteers will be on hand at most locations accepting donations in the restaurants and drive throughs.
This annual event kick starts a campaign formerly known as the ‘Alzheimer Coffee Break’ but has since been rebranded to Anything for Alzheimer’s, a campaign that encourages local communities, businesses, organizations and individuals to help raise funds for their local Society and to help promote awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
“It has been three years since many of these events have been held due to public health protocols, so we are thrilled to be able to help promote in-person activities once again but at the same time, allow for virtual access for those who are not yet comfortable getting out to social activities,” Lesley Kimble, Fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society explains.
Those who wish to host a fundraiser this year may still choose to organize an Alzheimer Coffee Break, or create an event in honour or in memory of someone, or host what’s called a ‘Social with a Purpose’, which could be a silent auction, a yard sale, a concert, a run, a paint night, a bake sale – in short, they can do ‘Anything for Alzheimers’ and the Alzheimer Society is happy to offer support with promotional posters and social media assistance, guest speakers, and even volunteers if needed. People can choose to host their event as a virtual event by registering it at Anything for Alzheimers, or if they choose to do it in person, contact the local Society office at 613-544-3078 ext. 204. They may also choose to host a hybrid version that accommodates both virtual and in-person fundraising.
This year, North Roast Coffee, a local Roastery, are new sponsors of the fall campaign and they have donated coffee that will be part of the kit provided to fundraisers serving refreshments. This coffee was created especially for the Alzheimer Society under the name “Forget Me Not” blend, and will also be available to the general public to purchase by the pound, but only through the Society.
The coffee sells for $16 a pound – ground or beans -with $5 from each sales going directly to the Society.
Also taking place this fall will be the Society will once again host their mini-photo sessions intended for families to capture precious family moments, taking place Oct. 22 and 23. Taken in a local outdoor setting (with an alternate indoor location in the event of inclement weather) these popular 20-minute photo sessions are done by local Photographer Rob Mooy, with all proceeds going directly to the Alzheimer Society. The sessions cost $80 per family or group, which includes all of the photos in digital format, to process as they wish, as well as a free 5 x 7 of their choice and 20 per cent off of photo processing, compliments of Camera Kingston. This event has also been made possible with the generous support of the James Reid Funeral Home, Crematorium and Reception Centre. To book a photo-shoot now before time slots are full, contact the AlzheimerSociety at 613-544-3078 ext. 204 or by emailing fundraising@alzking.com.
Additional photo days can be arranged as required.
Photo sessions may also be arranged for other interested LTC or retirement facilities or groups at a location of their choice, by calling the Society directly.
The proceeds of all the fall fundraisers will stay in the KFLA area to support local programs and services offered by the Society through three offices located in Kingston, Napanee and Northbrook. These programs support not only those diagnosed, but their caregivers and families as well. If you, or a person you love (even if they don’t live locally) lives with dementia, making that call to the local Society may be the lifeline you need. They offer one-to-one and family counseling, client and caregiver support groups, recreational programs and social outings, a resource and technology lending library, and other services that can help people to live well and safely, throughout their dementia journey.