The annual IG Wealth Management Walk for the Alzheimer Society of York Region broke new records this year in the number of participants and money raised.
More than 480 people registered for the walk, held at Lake Wilcox Park in Richmond Hill on Saturday, May 25, and, together with sponsors and partners, they raised more than $144,000 to support programs and services for York Region residents impacted by dementia. That number surpassed the fundraising goal, making it the most successful Walk for Alzheimer’s ever held in York Region, the organization said in a news release.
“We are so grateful and honoured to the York Region community for coming together to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and funds to support programs and services for people impacted by this fatal disease,” said Kari Quinn-Humphrey, AS York CEO.
“Dementia impacts the person living with the disease and their care partners. Programs like active living, care navigation, counselling, education, support groups, and DAY programs bring needed support to families in our communities.”
This year’s top team fundraisers were the IG Wealth Management Fairview Markham office, Summit Strollers, AS York Striders, made of AS York staff members, and Team Cindy. Top individual fundraisers were Mark de Hart, Abel Pandy, Barb Wherry and Jennifer Barta, AS York’s active living co-ordinator and the captain of the Minds in Motion team.
All money raised in York Region stays in York Region to provide social and recreational programming for people living with dementia, while also providing support to caregivers and entire families.
Quinn-Humphrey announced at the walk that AS York is increasing its programming to include an at-home DAY program, an additional day at the Stouffville DAY program, an active living program and expanded public education offerings.
“Thank you to everyone who talked about dementia and living with it,” said Quinn-Humphrey. “We are grateful to each of you for changing the stigma associated with a dementia diagnosis and for reminding people impacted by this disease they are not alone. We are here to help.”
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as programs and services offered by AS York, visit our website.
