Beaver Staff
This year the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is moving online, culminating in a live streaming national event on Sunday, May 31.
The event, scheduled for noon eastern time, will connect Canadians and Alzheimer Societies from across the country.
Funds are urgently needed to eliminate dementia, a disease that isolates more than half a million Canadians and has a dramatic impact on their families and loved ones. Canadians are urged to take up the fight by fundraising and participating in the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in whatever manner they choose to move.
Vicki Poffley, executive director of the Alzheimer Society for KFLA, explains the virtual walk.
“While we can’t walk together on May 31, we can still show our support for over 4,000 people in KFLA who are currently living with a dementia diagnosis,” she said in a release. “During this time of social isolation, our clients need our support now more than ever, we have continued to offer our programs and services virtually to our clients, their care partners and family members. We’re thrilled that the IG Wealth Management walk for Alzheimers is also moving online.”
“We’re calling on all Canadians to show their support by walking online,” adds Stephen McCullough, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “Each year, 25,000 more Canadians hear, ‘you have dementia.’ It’s critical that we all get behind this cause and raise as much as possible so the Alzheimer Society can continue to help those affected overcome the challenges of dementia and live to their fullest.”
It’s estimated that by 2031, the number of Canadians with dementia will increase by nearly 70 per cent. There is no cure. More funds are required to meet the growing demand for life-changing programs and services, including dementia education, day programs for people with dementia and respite for caregivers.
“In these unprecedented times, we are extremely proud to continue our support of the Alzheimer Society and their work to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for dementia,” says Jeff Carney, president and CEO of IG Wealth Management. “Our employees and consultants have a long history and real passion for supporting the communities where we live and work. Although we had to modify the walk this year based on the impact of COVID-19 and physical distancing, we are still optimistic that the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s will be a huge success.”
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is the Alzheimer Society’s biggest fundraising event of the year. In 2019, over 37,000 participants raised more than $6.2 million to provide services to Canadians with dementia – where they live. Research is the only way to beat dementia and some of the world’s most innovative minds are based in Canada. Money raised through the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s will fuel their work to find ways of predicting and curing dementia and spark solutions that are urgently needed to improve day-to-day care. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia strike every community and consume entire families.
KFLA residents can help by registering and fundraising for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in either Kingston at www.alzgiving.ca/kingstonwalk Or Lennox and Addington at www.alzgiving.ca/napaneewalk . For the past two years, Northbrook has also hosted its own walk however this year, the two have combined forces due to the new online format. Participants can sign up individually or make an even bigger impact by joining or creating a virtual team with family and friends. Those who wish to can make a pledge to any walker or team at either of the above-mentioned sites. Once registered, participants can decide what their move will be on May 31. They can walk in their neighbourhood, on local trails, do an online yoga class with team members, do a stair challenge in your home, or even have a bake off with their family. Those unable to do something on May 31 can still take part. Walk sites are open now and will remain open until June 8 for both registrations and donations.
Anyone with questions about the online walk, how to participate, or wish to submit a video or photographs can contact Lesley Kimble, fundraising coordinator at fundraising@alzking.com or call the Alzheimer Society at 613-544-3078 ext. 204. Fundraisers will unite by sharing their photos and videos using the hashtags, #IGWalkForAlz, #OurConnectionsMatter, and # walkonline2020.