Blue hair for Alzheimer’s care and a scavenger hunt are in the works for this year’s Walk for Alzheimer’s fundraiser in Chatham-Kent.
The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent recently held its virtual launch event for the 2021 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s fundraiser taking place on May 29.
“But that’s just the date itself. We are encouraging everyone to take part, and walk their own way all month long,” said Robyn Brady, board member for the Alzheimer Society and Walk Host.
The annual walk calls on participants of all ages and abilities to take action to honour and to help support people living with dementia in Chatham-Kent.
“You don’t even have to walk to support the event if you’d really rather not. You can run, you can swim, you can do yoga, you can bike, you can sit on your couch if you’d like. But really the whole idea is to get active, challenge your friends, your family members, your coworkers as you honour and help support people living with dementia in our community,” Brady said.
To keep participants motivated, the Alzheimer Society will host weekly celebrations with prizes. More details will be announced in the coming weeks on their social media accounts.
A COVID-safe, family-friendly, scavenger hunt is planned on the day of the walk itself. Participants will be tasked with finding the society’s Forget Me Not flower pinwheels around Chatham, with a prize for the top individual or team.
This year’s walk will see the return of the Dawn Butler Memorial Award presented to the top individual and team fundraisers.
To meet this year’s goal of $50,000, Mary Ellen Parker, CEO of the Alzheimer Society, and Brady pledge to dye their hair blue if their team, FantASCKtic Crew, raises $15,000.
Donald MacLellan, general manager of Chatham-Kent EMS, will serve as this year’s walk ambassador.
“Yes, the last year has been really challenging for all of us and the worlds that we live and work in, and this year will be no different with having the walk in a virtual format. But I certainly encourage people to get out, enjoy the weather, take part in all the activities that are surrounded to this fundraiser,” he said.
The Alzheimer Society assists more than 1,000 clients and care partners each year in Chatham-Kent and it projects that number will continue to grow as the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias increases.
To register for this year’s walk and to donate, visit walkforalzheimers.ca.
For more information, contact Emery at 519-352-1043 or jemery@alzheimerchathamkent.ca.
