On Sunday, May 28, hundreds of people are expected to gather in Burnaby to honour and celebrate the lives of people affected by dementia in Burnaby and New West.
Organized by Alzheimer Society of B.C., the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is the largest annual fundraising event for the society.
Each year, people gather in their local communities to raise funds for programs and services dedicated to people with dementia, and contribute to research into the causes of the disease and possible treatments.
This year’s Burnaby and New West Walk will be held in Central Park, Burnaby, on Sunday, May 28 at 11 a.m., and will invite people to unite to show people living with dementia that they are not alone.
For Sue Sami, volunteer and co-chair of the walk, the event is a way of creating awareness and educating people about Alzheimer’s and how they can seek help.
One of the most important aspects of caring for someone with dementia and Alzheimer’s is communication, she said. “It’s easy get frustrated,” she said. “But learning how to [repeat information] as if it was the first time is important for the person who has Alzheimer’s.”
Sami, who is of Fijian descent, said she hopes to help create awareness about how to diagnose, care and treat loved ones living with dementia — especially in the South Asian community.
According to the news release, more than 85,000 people live with dementia across British Columbia, with that number continually growing.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. aims to provide support to help people maintain the best quality of life possible.
The Burnaby and New West walk will also honour Mardi Denis, a member of the community who has been affected by dementia.
Leading up to the walk, a pub night fundraiser was hosted on Friday, April 28, at Admiral Pub in Burnaby to kick off the fundraising campaign. Other fundraising events are in the works. Follow the society's Instagram or Facebook page for more information.
To register for the walk, fundraise and learn about the local event in Burnaby and New West, visit website.
