This year, the Alzheimer Society of Perth County fundraiser is encouraging people to walk 3,047 steps — representing the number of people living with dementia in Huron and Perth County.
Held virtually for the last two years, the organization is encouraging people to take part on May 28. Participants can walk the thousands of steps at their own pace and on their own time.
“In 2020 and 2021, we held virtual walks which didn’t bring out the attendance and we didn’t raise as much money,” said Teresa Weicker, CSS dementia educator and fund development assistant of Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth.
Virtual events made it difficult for the organization to reach their required budget of 40 per cent each year — equating to approximately $300,000, said Weicker.
“It was much more difficult to raise money during the pandemic and to get people’s buy-in. People are built on connections and they want to see people, be with people and feel that physical touch,” she said.
Raising large sums of money is a necessity as the number of individuals living with dementia keeps rising every year. The Alzheimer’s Society predicts that over 900,000 people in Canada will be living with dementia by 2030.
Funds will go towards supporting people living with dementia, their care partners through dementia education, research, advocacy, education and wellness programs. Recreational programs are vital in ensuring people living with dementia do not feel isolated.
Human beings rely on interpersonal connection, said Weicker. The lost connections during the pandemic greatly impacted those living with dementia.
“Being without someone is very tough. We found women living with dementia were greatly affected,” said Weicker.
The organization worked to provide meals, recreational tools, online art programs and exercise programs to uphold community connection through the pandemic.
The event will be a hybrid fundraiser with both virtual and in-person walks. Across Huron and Perth, there are eight locations to participate virtually. In-person events will be held in Stratford, St. Marys, and Listowel.
Stratford’s in-person 5K walk is at Upper Queens Park at 10 a.m. Treats will be available to hungry participants from 9 a.m. to Noon.
Listowel's walk will be held at Between The Lines Sports. Residents of St. Marys are encouraged to walk for the month or join the events in Statford or Listowel.
The community event will bring individuals back together and create a stronger awareness, said Weicker, and create a sense of energy and connection. Businesses across Stratford donated items to the walk including Egg Farmers of Ontario, Domino's Pizza, No Frills, and Sport Chek, to name a few.
“We just love to see people out and get them involved,” said Weicker.
For more information check this link: Alzheimer Society.
