Thousands of British Columbians walked in the Investors Group Walk for Memories on Jan. 26, 2014.
The Walk took place in 23 communities across the province to raise funds for support services for those who face Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, and research into the causes and cure.
Over 120 people turned out for the Walk in Barriere, with mild temperatures and no precipitation.
Barriere Mayor Bill Humphreys officiated as MC, and introduced event coordinator Liz Gilbertson and Investors Group representative Rick Jackson, to all those present in the Barriere Senior’s Hall.
After the short speeches, everyone went outside for the Walk, which was led by members of the Rocky Mountain Rangers, RC Army Cadets Corp. #2941, carrying the Canadian, B.C., and Barriere flags. All ages participated as well as a number of canine companions.
This years honoree, who is currently fighting alzheimers disease, was Florence Beharrell of Darfield. Florence attended the event with a large contingent of her family, joined them on the ‘Walk”, and enjoyed the lunch afterwards.
While participants were out doing the Walk, the door prize tickets were drawn and posted for 24 door prizes. Once everyone returned to the hall they could check if they had a lucky ticket before lining up for the free lunch.
Names of raffle winners were drawn; the first raffle was for a garden basket won by Janet Simmons. The other raffle’s first prize (golf package), was won by Rosie Humphreys, the second prize (dining package) was first won by Doreen Landry who donated it back for them to draw another ticket, which was subsequently won by Charlene Proznick, and the third prize (tools) was won by Denise Proznick.
It was also announced who had won the jar of jellybeans by guessing how many jellybeans were inside. There were 507 jellybeans in the jar, and young Paige Arcand won with a guess of 506.
Barriere’s ‘Walk’ organizer, Liz Gilbertson, says the final tally on funds raised from this years event is not yet in, but it looks to be slightly higher than last years total.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. thanks all who came out to show support and is still accepting donations at www.walkformemories.com.
Dementia is a term that describes a general group of brain disorders. Symptoms include the loss of memory, impaired judgment, and changes in behaviour and personality. Dementia is progressive, degenerative and eventually terminal. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia accounting for almost two-thirds of dementias in Canada today.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. provides a provincial network of support and education for families impacted by dementia and people concerned about memory loss. Communities across the province count on the Society for support services, information and education programs, advocacy to improve dementia care in B.C., and to fund research to find the causes and cures. As part of a national federation, the Society is a leading authority on the disease in Canada.