Thousands of British Columbian families, including many in the Cowichan Valley, are affected by dementia and this number is expected to grow.
In May, area residents can show their support to families, friends and neighbours affected by dementia.
Many people did just that by participating in the recent Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s, a nation-wide movement to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. And another opportunity is available immediately.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is inviting residents to Walk Anywhere throughout May.
Walk Anywhere is exactly what its name suggests. Simply visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca and then select ‘British Columbia’ and then ‘Walk Anywhere’ from the pull down menus. You can then register for an online fundraising page. You choose your date, location and walk route. You can walk alone or invite your friends or family to join you.
If you’re interested in hosting a larger walk, you can register to become a Walk in a Box host.
A Walk in a Box is new in 2017 and is in addition to the community walks. They are a great option for care homes, community groups, and schools that have not held a walk before, couldn’t make it to a nearby walk, or would like to host a walk but on a very small, easy to coordinate scale.
A Walk in a Box is a self-contained event package that contains all the instructions and materials required to host and run a small walk. You can register to become a Walk in a Box host by visiting http://alzbc.org/walk-in-a-box.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s ultimate vision is a world without dementia. Until this vision can be realized, the organization is committed to building a dementia-friendly society: a place where people living with dementia, their families and their caregivers are acknowledged and included.
“By registering to Walk Anywhere or hosting a Walk in a Box, you will take us a step closer to reaching this vision by helping to ensure that people in our community have access to the support and learning they need to live well with the disease, and by helping enable research into the causes and cure,” says Barbara Lindsay, director of Advocacy & Education and Marketing & Communications at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
“When you walk, you make memories matter. You honour people who have lived with dementia and acknowledge the work that must be done to ensure help and hope for people living with the disease today,” says the Alzheimer Society of B.C.