Thousands of British Columbians in 23 communities across the province participated in the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s on Sunday, May 1, 2016.
While communities across the province have participated for 12 years previously in the Investors Group Walk for Memories, the 2016 Walk had a new name and date to signify how Canada is united in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
They walked to honour the over 70,000 individuals in B.C. who have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, while they fundraised for support services, education programs and research for a cure.
The Investor’s Group Walk For Alzheimer’s held in Barriere last Sunday, saw 55 to 60 walkers participate.
“About half the number we had last year,” said Walk co-organizer Liz Gilbertson. “However, our subtotal of fundraising is sitting at $10,180.70 right now, with people still being able to donate until the middle of May. Last year we brought in $11,300; so we are not that far away, and we still have 19 days to take in donations. I think it would be really exciting to at least be able to match last year’s total.”
Gilbertson says the annual Walk to support the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia took place in May this year rather than in previous years when it has taken place in January.
This year it was held under a beautiful sunny day, with the 2016 Barriere honouree being area resident Petrine Edwards.
“We had great weather, plenty of help, and a great group of walkers who came down from Clearwater to take part,” said Gilbertson.
A silent auction and raffle were also held during the event, with winners of the raffle were; first prize of a homemade quilt to Carol Wilox of Barriere, second prize of $480 worth of gift certificates to North Thompson restaurants was won by Ken Smith of Clearwater, and third prize was a gift certificate to golf at Eagle Point Golf Resort won by Bonnie Donald of Chu Chua and donated by Investors Group.