Organizers are gearing up for the 2023 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, presented locally by Country 102.
While still eight weeks before Walk Day, Saturday, May 27th, it’s set to happen at Memorial Park in downtown Bracebridge.
This year the Alzheimers Society of Muskoka’s major fundraiser will include an online version too for those who can’t travel.
Alzheimer’s Society of Muskoka’s Interim Executive Director Pam Leeder has more:
Last year’s local walk raised over $60,000, which reflects a great community effort especially with last year’s walk being online. The goal is to raise $75,000 this year.
Leeder has also pledged to dye her hair blue if the goal is reached!
“Anyone who knows me knows that will be a huge impact if my hair goes blue,” she laughs. “But it’s supporting our communities, our clients, and the overarching goal of what we do.”
This year the event will include live music, donations of pizza and snacks, plus a larger walk area that’s more in the downtown core of Bracebridge with local businesses providing support with signs to encourage walkers.
“It’s really community-based and we really want to see our community out and connecting with us,” says Leeder.
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, and is irreversible. The term “dementia” doesn’t actually refer to one, specific disease. Rather, it’s an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain.
Some important stats to note: 1 in 3 people in Ontario is affected in some way by Alzheimer’s disease while 300,000 Ontarians have dementia today. 600,000 people are living with it across Canada.
This year’s event starts at 12 pm with a kick-off BBQ and opening ceremonies and stretches, while the actual walk starts at 1 pm.
You can register for and donate to this year’s event here
