At an event in Richmond on Tuesday, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. launched a fundraising campaign leading up to the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s. This year, the organization hopes it’s the first time they raise $1 million at the annual walk.
The kick-off event took place as part of the weekly Minds in Motion support group, which runs out of Richmond’s South Arm Community Centre. Minds in Motion, which also operates at community spaces throughout the province, is a 45-minute fitness program led by a certified fitness instructor, followed by an hour of socializing, refreshments and activities.
“It’s really an inspiring thing to see,” said Michele Buchignani, who has been a member of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s board for eight years.
“The conversations I had with the folks in the social time afterwards were incredibly meaningful to me and have stayed with me.”
Buchignani’s family has been involved with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for over 30 years now, as her parents approached the organization when her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia.
“They found the service and the support they received from the society so important in helping them come to terms with my grandmother’s diagnosis and what to do next that they wanted to find a way to give back,” she said.
According to the Alzheimer Society of B.C., approximately 70,000 B.C. residents live with Alzheimer's disease and to raise funds for support services and research, the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s has been taking place annually since 2003. This year, the event is scheduled for May 6 in 23 communities around the province, including Richmond. However, before the day of the walk, Buchignani said the organization is encouraging people to spread the word and get as many people signed up to participate as they can.
“Another very important aspect of the walk in addition to fundraising…is it’s a really important day to help us in our effort to build a dementia friendly society and community in B.C. because it lets people know they’re not alone,” Buchignani said.
Find more details about the Richmond walk here.
