Alzheimer’s Walk a success

The Tillsonburg IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s took place in Memorial Park on May 24 to raise money to support local programs provided by the Alzheimer Society. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

More than $17,000 was raised for local programs provided by the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners at the Tillsonburg IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s on May 24.

The annual event was held in Memorial Park and involved participants finding sponsors to participate. About 65 people attended the Tillsonburg event, braving a colder-than-normal May Saturday morning.

The funds raised stay local to assist with programming in the community. Services provided through the Alzheimer Society include: dementia education, counselling and support services and therapeutic recreation and wellness services.

“As staff, we often support families through some of their most challenging moments,” said Paige Kilian, Therapeutic Recreation Group Coordinator and the lead for the Tillsonburg event. “The Walk for Alzheimer’s is one of the most meaningful days of the year for us. It’s a time to honour those living with dementia, to walk beside care partners on their journey and to hold space for the losses that families carry with them. It’s a day of connection, courage and quiet celebration of lives past and present. Seeing the community support, the shared laughter, and even the tears—reaffirmed why we do this work. It's about more than care—it's about connection."

Across the area served by the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners - Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex counties - there are more than 14,500 people living with dementia. This number continues to grow every year. There are an estimated 8,500 family members and care partners supporting them.

“Every month 200 new people walk through our doors in Woodstock, London and St. Thomas looking for help,” said Jen Davidson, manager of communications and marketing for the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners.

The top fundraising team in Tillsonburg was the Kin Krusaders, who raised $4,600. Theresa Macdougall was the top individual fundraiser, bringing in $1.600.

Similar walks took place across Canada as fundraisers for the Alzheimer Society.