The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is approaching, and a donor has offered to match – up to $100,000 – every gift that is made online across B.C. before Sunday, April 14.
The annual walk takes place Sunday, May 5 at Gardner Park in Abbotsford. Registration is at noon, and the walk begins at 1 p.m.
The event provides an opportunity to remember or honour people who have been touched by dementia, while fundraising to support those living with the disease today.
Each of the 21 events across B.C. is dedicated to an honouree – an individual or group affected by dementia, or who has valuably contributed to the lives of people living with the disease.
| TOM SMITH |
This year, the Abbotsford Walk honours Tom and Samantha Smith.
Tom, a friendly and happy-go-lucky guy with a lifelong love of singing, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago.
His daughter Samantha began noticing his forgetfulness, and soon the duo were accessing a variety of Alzheimer Society of B.C. support and education services together.
They continue to attend Minds in Motion, a social and fitness program for people – and a care partner – in the early stages of dementia.
“We’ve been able to connect with other families. It’s been wonderful to be with other people who understand what we’re going through,” Samantha says.
For other families at the outset of the journey, “take as many workshops as you can,” she adds. “Meet other families going through this so that you don’t feel so alone.”
Funds raised at the Walk for Alzheimer’s enable the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to offer support and education in Abbotsford and help facilitate research into the causes of, and the cure for, the disease.
Registration for the event can be done online at alzheimer.ca/bc under “news & events.”