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“Once again through their generous support members of the local community have shown that they value and believe in the services we provide to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and to their families and caregivers. We are grateful for the trust they have shown,” says Executive Director Alzheimer Grey Bruce, Debra Barker.

The indoor walkathons were held Saturday in three communities, Owen Sound, Hanover and Saugeen Shores.

Barker said that 2012 was the third most successful Walk for Memories campaign in the 15-year history of the event in Grey-Bruce.   “This is significant because it shows the community understands the growing need for the services we provide, and the growing need for local financial support. We know it is important to our supporters that money raised in Grey-Bruce stays in Grey-Bruce.”

More than 100 walkers in Owen Sound raised more than $35,000; at the 10th annual Hanover Walk, 32 walkers raised $14,000 and at the fifth annual Saugeen Shores walk 32 walkers raised $7,000.

“With sponsorships and other contributions we know the final total will exceed $61,000,” Barker said.

Significantly this year, more money than ever was donated online through the provincial Walk for Memories website.

“We had almost $17,000 pledged online, significantly more than the previous record of $14,600 last year,” she said.

“Online giving is becoming increasingly important to organizations like ours, as more and more donors use the internet to support their charities of choice.”  The Walk for Memories website www.walkformemories.ca will remain active until Feb. 28, so donors can still support our chapter, Barker said. Last year more than $1,300 was donated after the day of the walk.

Barker said it is important to acknowledge the efforts of the walkers, and all the volunteers who contribute to the success of the Walk for Memories.

“Many of those involved have very personal reasons for supporting our chapter,” Barker said. “Participating in the Walk is very meaningful for them, a way of helping others who are going through very difficult times.”

The Walks are also very important awareness events, Barker said.   “A recent survey shows that many people wait a year or more to seek a diagnosis after experiencing the first symptoms.   In retrospect, they wish they had acted sooner because they know early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life and can also help individuals and families plan how best to deal with the disease as it progresses.

Everyone who took part helped increase awareness of dementia, and of the work of the Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce.”

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Sunday, January 29, 2012