Alzheimer fundraiser set for Saturday

Posted Jan 19, 2012 By Stacey Roy

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These girls were pleased to come out to last year's Walk for Memories fundraiser at the County Fair Mall. This year organizers are trying something new by hosting the event at the Memorial Community Centre Jan. 21. The walk begins at 10 a.m. and registration starts at 9 a.m.

Smiths Falls EMC file

These girls were pleased to come out to last year's Walk for Memories fundraiser at the County Fair Mall. This year organizers are trying something new by hosting the event at the Memorial Community Centre Jan. 21. The walk begins at 10 a.m. and registration starts at 9 a.m.

EMC Events - Today one Canadian every five minutes is told they have a dementia that will slowly rob them of their memories. By 2038 it is estimated this rate will increase to one Canadian every two minutes or 1.1 million people.

This weekend, the Alzheimer Society of Lanark County asks Smiths Falls and area to 'Walk for Memories' of those living with the condition today and those who will be diagnosed tomorrow.

"We're looking forward to it," said Jammie Bannon, public education co-ordinator for Alzheimer Society of Lanark County.

The fourth annual Walk for Memories will take place Saturday, Jan. 21 inside the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre. This is a new location for the indoor event and organizers hope to see many people come out to make a donation or just show their support for dementia related support programs.

Bannon emphasized all the funds raised this weekend are "staying within Lanark County. It's all locally used."

The event will kick off with registration at 9 a.m. There is no registration fee, but participants are asked to pick up pledge forms at the Town Hall or public library. Mayor Dennis Staples will formally welcome walkers at 9:45 a.m. prior to the 10 a.m. walk start for the one-hour all-ages event.

Bannon said fundraisers like the Walk for Memories are critical in the organization being able to provide program support to individuals and their families living with these conditions.

"It's so important," she added of the trends in diagnosis. "Already within the last year we're seeing a lot more people."

PRIZES

In addition to supporting programming throughout Lanark County, participants can enjoy a pizza lunch and prize distribution.

Walkers have the chance to win an entire Drivers Education Course from Young Drivers of Canada.

For more information please call the society at www.alzheimersocietyoflanark.ca or call 613-264-0307.

sroy@perfprint.ca