With spring now underway and signs of summer on the horizon, the Alzheimer Society of KFLA is once again urging the community to support the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, which starts on May 1, and runs throughout the month of May online, as well as a separate in-person walk on May 28, 2022.
Across Canada, the number of people living with dementia is rising each year and is projected to reach almost one million by 2030, so the need for more research and increased services is crucial.
“The past two years have shone the light on issues surrounding seniors aging at home, long term care and dementia care, and the pandemic has impacted our client’s quality of life substantially. Locally, we have over 4500 individuals diagnosed, and the need for support for those living with dementia, as well as their caregivers, is greater than ever”. Says Vicki Poffley, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A.
There are a number of ways KFL&A residents can take part 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:
- Sign up individually, or create a team for either the Kingston or the Napanee walk at alzgiving.ca/kingstonwalk or www.alzgiving.ca/napaneewalk
- Participants can walk where they want, when they want throughout the month of May and/or join at the in-person Wrap Up Walk and Celebration event in Conservation Park in Napanee on May 28.
- Take a photo or video, upload it to social media and include the hashtag #IGWalkForAlz.
- Most of all, have fun raising money for a fantastic cause
- For those unable to participate, they can still donate to a participant or team in person or donate online at either of the walk sites listed above.
Walk Organziers are encouraging people to take at least one step in support of each of the 4,500 people living in the KFLA area with dementia. That could be 4,500 steps in one dedicated walk, or 4,500 steps a day in May. They can walk at your cottage, in their neighbourhood or on a local trail or even get those steps in while playing golf.
Lesley Kimble, fundraising coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of KFLA expressed that “One good thing about this pandemic is that it showed us the value of ‘virtual walks’, because friends and family members who wish to show their support have been able to participate from wherever they happen to be in the world. The success of the virtual walks over the past two years has been incredible, so while we plan to return to in-person walks around the region in coming years, we also a don’t want to lose that virtual momentum. This year, we have decided on a hybrid format which will include just one physical walk for those who are comfortable coming out, but still highly encourage virtual participation for those who wish to be involved from a distance.”
“Even if you choose to join the walk virtually, we do invite all walkers to come out and celebrate the success of the walk in-person on (May) 28,” said Kimble. “You must be registered in advance online for either the Kingston or Napanee walk, or you can call our office if you wish to attend in person. The Napanee event will include a short walk along the Napanee River at 11 a.m., some fun activities set up around the site, lunch and live entertainment, so it’s an opportunity to celebrate the walk in-person and to see folks you may not have seen in almost three years.”
The Society is thrilled to acknowledge the support once again of walk sponsors IG Wealth Management, Cogeco, Your TV and MyFM radio, and to welcome the Cataraqui Heights Retirement Residence and the Napanee Lions Club as new sponsors this year.
For more information about the walk call the Society at 613-544-3078 ext 204.